Student Resources

Looking for a job? Check out student employment options.

Academic Advising and Major Exploration

Are you currently exploring major possibilities? Our office is here to help you with the process of exploring and selecting a major. Our advisors can help with everything from selecting courses to helping you connect your interests to majors and future career options.

  • Pre-major Advising Exploration Workbook (PDF) - A guide to support you through the major exploration and selection process. If you want a hard copy of the workbook, please contact your advisor.
  • Your advisor is listed in the Student View block at the top of your Degree Evaluation in Degree Works. If you click on their name, their email will pop up. You can also find your advisor on your SSC/Navigate profile. You can look up additional contact information in the Faculty/Staff Directory.
    • Log into Web4 : http://web4.fitchburgstate.edu/
    • Click on STUDENT
    • Click on Degree Evaluation
    • Click on the Degree Works button 5. Your advisor will be listed in the student information block located at the top of the worksheet 
  • Make an appointment - please contact us by phone 978.665.3151 or via email at careercenter@fitchburgstate.edu.
  • Are you ready to declare your major? Congratulations! Make an appointment with the department of your new major to complete the Change of Major Form (PDF) and discuss next steps for transitioning to your new major. Reach out to your pre-major advisor if you need any support with this process.
  • Upcoming Events 

We are here to support you through the process of selecting a major. We also provide major exploration support for those looking to change their major. 

  • Program explorer - Use the program Finder to see all the majors, minors, and graduate programs offered at Fitchburg State.
  • What Can I Do With This Major will help you connect majors to careers. Whether you are exploring multiple majors or searching for information about your chosen field, this site will help with your career exploration.
  • Changing your major - If you know which major you want to switch into, make an appointment with the department of your new major to complete the Change of Major Form (PDF) and discuss next steps for transitioning to your new major. Not sure what major to go into? Meet with an advisor to explore options that fit with your academic and career goals. 

View all our four year plans of study by major to see required classes and a suggested guideline of course order. Every student situation is different so be sure to meet with your academic advisor to go over which classes to take each semester and individualized advising.

Career Exploration

As you explore how your major connects to career options we are here to support you through the process. Thinking about your future career can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. We can help you get started.

Major to Career Action Plans: Find your major to see a career action plan to start thinking through what you can do during your time at Fitchburg State to be prepared for life after graduation. Use this plan as a starting point to talk with your advisor about career planning. 

The Strong Interest Inventory assessment provides insight into a person’s interests, and areas for exploration to consider potential careers and Majors. The assessment is done online and then you will meet with an advisor to go over your results. Reach out to Career Services and Advising to register.

The Alumni Job Shadow Program is an opportunity for you to gain insight into an industry/organization/job function of interest, make connections, and further discern how your skills, interests, and values translate to the workplace. CSA will match students with Fitchburg State alumni who will serve as hosts for shadowing experiences during summer and winter breaks. Reach out to Danibel Peralta for more information dperalta@fitchburgstate.edu.

Informational interviews serve as a great opportunity for students to learn about specific jobs, careers or to network with professionals in the field. If you are looking to conduct informational interviews, let us know and we can provide you with tips, advice and connections to help you get started.

Welcome to your tool for career exploration and job analysis. O*NET OnLine has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers.

Job and Internship Search

Looking to get started on searching and applying for internships or full-time jobs? Attend one of our upcoming internship/job search workshops or schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor. Our office offers a wide variety of resources and information to support you through the internship/job search process.

The Falcon Internship Program (FIP) connects students with internship opportunities. FIP is available to all undergraduate students who are looking to complete an internship opportunity either for academic credit or as a non-credit (experience) internship.

FIP will support you through the internship search process as well as throughout your internship.  As a FIP participants you will
●    Refine your resume and cover letter
●    Learn internship search strategies
●    Practice interviewing skills
●    Develop professional skills for the workplace
●    Learn how to highlight your internship experience on your resume

Please review the Internship Program Manual - Undergraduate and Graduate to learn more about internships and your steps for participating in a for credit or experience internship.

Are you interested in the Falcon Internship Program?   Fill out this survey to get started.

The Career Success Certificate is a 6 week program designed for students to explore and develop their career paths through weekly workshops and personalized career advising on topics like assessing skills and values, networking, the job and internship search, crafting a resume and cover letter, and more. Apply now
 

  • The Inclusive Pathways Internship Fund provides funding for undergraduate students who have secured an unpaid internship in their field of study. Internships can be full-time or part-time, for credit or not registered for credit. Students can receive up to 8 weeks of funding at a rate of $15/hour during summer. If selected, you will be informed how many hours per week you have approved for. The Fund is designed to particularly support students that hold underrepresented identities in the career field they are entering, but all undergraduate students in all majors are eligible to apply.
    • Summer 2024 Application
    • Application opens February 26, 2024
    • Application deadline April 26, 2024
    • Students will be notified if they have received funding by May 3, 2024
    • If selected, students must have secured an internship by May 10, 2024

For any questions, reach out to Susan Beddes, sbeddes@fitchburgstate.edu, or 978.665.3321.

  • The State University Internship Incentive Program (SUIIP) is a state and university funded program that provides financial support up to $5,000 to students participating in credit-bearing internships. Contact Financial Aid for more information.

Thanks to the generosity of Enterprise Holdings, the Career Services and Advising Center is able to offer The Career Development Grant, which provides financial support for expenses students have during their career exploration and job search processes.

A limited number of grants of up to $200.00 are available for currently enrolled undergraduate students. Applications will be accepted until funding for that fiscal year is used up.

Covered Expenses

Career Development Grants are available to help cover expenses that include, but are not limited to:

  • Interview clothing    
  • Professional headshots
  • Graduate school application fees*    
  • Graduate school entrance test preparation materials
  • Graduate school entrance test registration*    
  • Registration fees for academic conferences

*Please note for these expenses that applicants should apply for fee waiver opportunities from the organization, if available.

In the application process, students will need to provide a list of expenses and exact costs. Documentation that does not include detailed information about your proposed expenses may delay or disqualify your application. 

Finally, Career Development Grants are awarded for future expenses. They will not cover reimbursements for expenses already incurred. 

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis while funds are available.  Please submit applications as far in advance as possible, but no less than two weeks prior to the opportunity for which you are seeking funding. 

To apply, complete the Career Development Grant application form. Please note that you must submit supporting documentation for your expected expenses (such as quotes, screenshots of online shopping carts, etc.) in order to apply. You must also provide a list showing the cost of each expense. 

Please reach out to Susan Beddes, Associate Director for Internship Coordination and Employer Relations, with questions about the application process at sbeddes@fitchburgstate.edu.

Applications will be evaluated based on the level of detail provided about the opportunity, expenses, and explanation of how it will contribute to your career development.  After your application is reviewed, you will be contacted by email about the status of your application and will be notified of any next steps you need to take.

See guides below to get started on your resume and cover letter. Send your documents to careercenter@fitchburgstate.edu for a review or set up a one-on-one meeting with an advisor.

Handshake - our online recruiting portal. Students can use Handshake to apply for full-time and internship opportunities with companies interested in hiring Fitchburg State students. 

Other job boards:

  • jobs.fitchburgstate.edu For a listing of part-time student jobs available on campus, scroll down to the Student Employment section.
  • North Central MA Chamber of Commerce
  • Indeed: A large-scale search engine that allows you to see multiple opportunities on one site. Indeed enables you to search for jobs posted on thousands of websites by aggregating them all on one site. Employers post jobs directly on Indeed.
  • Idealist lists jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Remember there are many opportunities in a variety of areas within the world of nonprofit. While you might be looking for marketing or legal opportunities, for instance, they might be available within nonprofit companies. No matter your major, consider using Idealist to search for opportunities. 
  • LinkedIn Jobs: Leverage the world’s largest professional network to connect with opportunities. 
  • ZipRecruiter: An online employment marketplace that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered smart matching technology to actively connect millions of employers and job seekers. Over 700 employers in the US, Canada and U.K. and Israel. 

Internship/Job Search Resource Guide (PDF)

LinkedIn Resource Guide (PDF)

  • Interviewing Guide (PDF)
  • Mock-Interviews - Looking to practice and evaluate your interview skills? Mock interviews provide a great opportunity to practice your interview skills before the big day. Once you have lined up an interview, contact Career Services and Advising (CSA) careercenter@fitchburgstate.edu immediately to schedule a mock interview.
  • Salary Negotiations (PDF)

Affinity Group Employment Resources

Below you'll find additional resources for student affinity groups.

Student athletes possess many skills that are in demand from employers, including time management, teamwork, communication and resiliency. Be sure to highlight these skills, as well as leadership experience, awards and scholarships on your resume.
Example:

  • Balanced a 18+ hour practice, training, competition, and travel schedule, at NCAA Division III level, in addition to academics
  • Created marketing theme and ordered apparel for team and coaching staff

Teamwork Online connects job seekers to positions in sports and live events.

The NCAA After the Game Career Center is where students can connect with employers who want to hire former college athletes. This free center has job opportunities in various locations, diverse industries, and an array of entry-, mid- and executive-level positions.

The NCAA Market is a job board for careers in college athletics.

First generation college students bring resiliency and a strong desire to succeed and overcome obstacles to their career preparation. Unfortunately, they may also experience barriers, such as less familiarity with the career development process or lack of a mentor or role model in their field. We are here to help you overcome these barriers and be successful in your job search! 

Please read these career tips for first generation students.

Learn more about first generation college students’ career needs in this article from NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers).

America Needs You (ANY) supports the career development of first generation, low income college students through professional development opportunities

FirstGEN Fellows is a ten-week summer program in the D.C. area for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend an institution of higher education, and who are passionate about pursuing careers in social justice.

I’m First is an online community celebrating first-generation college students.

The Career Services and Advising Center supports Fitchburg State international students in areas including career exploration, job/internship search and graduate school preparation. You are strongly encouraged to visit International Education before seeking any form of employment (paid or unpaid) and remain aware of any applicable restrictions, requirements and deadlines. 

International Student: Visa restrictions can pose a challenge for international students searching for work and internship experience in the U.S. It is important that you understand the requirements and expectations for F1 student visas. This site offers information regarding different forms of employment and helps you understand the guidelines set forth by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

E-Verify is an online program run by the U.S. government that is used mostly by employers to check employee records and work eligibility. You can use this resource to search for employers that provide work authorization and sponsorship.

GoinGlobal helps new and experienced job seekers find opportunities both at home and abroad.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides you with information regarding visas and filing for a green card. The site also contains information for working with employers and information regarding the petition process.

h1bgrader.com is a tool that provides information on companies based on various H1B related Data from US government agencies (USCIS, US Department of Labor). Their goal is to provide everyone with H1B and other data in an interpretable way to make an informed decision as an H1B Visa Holder in US.

We are committed to creating an open and safe space for Fitchburg State students who identify as LGBTQ+. When transitioning to the workplace, whether for a job or internship, students might consider questions like:

  • Should I disclose my sexual orientation to an employer?
  • When is it a good time to disclose my sexual orientation to an employer?
  • How do I know if an environment is safe?
  • Are there going to be other people who identify as LGBTQ+ in my new community? How do I find them?

The Career Services and Advising Center offers guidance, support, and resources to students who are thinking about these questions and others. Schedule an appointment online to meet with a career advisor, or check out our additional web-resources for more information.

Advocacy Organizations and Resources

EduBirdie’s comprehensive LGBTQ Students Guide to Getting Hired covers workplace rights, the job search process, searching for LGBTQ+-friendly employers and advice around coming out at work.

The Human Rights Campaign Equality Index ranks 571 businesses by their corporate policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.

HRC’s state maps of laws and policies affecting the LGBTQ community is an excellent resource outlining relevant state laws and policies.

The National Center for Transgender Equality's Know Your Rights resource outlines the rights and procedures transgender employees have to address discrimination.

Check out this helpful article from the University of Denver's Boot Camps on "Emphasizing and Empowering the T in LGBTQ for Allies and Transgender People in Tech."

U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission: An overview of rights of LGBTQ people related to workplace discrimination.

The Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition is an advocacy, education, and community-building organization that works to end discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression.

Professional Associations
Internship Programs

The Victory Congressional Internship program gives the opportunity to gain experience in LGBT political activism, consider career options, strengthen job-related skills and network with political leaders.

PFLAG Internships: Graduate and undergraduate full-time and part-time internships available each school semester, and summer, for college and university students or recent graduates.

National Center for Transgender Equality: Fall, Spring and Summer internships for undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Internships in policy, communications, development or legal departments.

The Reentry Services Directory was developed by the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) to help individuals who have been incarcerated and their families find local reentry services. The NRRC has compiled a list of organizations and service providers who can address different reentry needs, including housing, employment, and family reunification.

CareerOneStop resource for Ex-Offenders: CareerOneStop’s Job Search Help for Ex-Offenders is for anyone with a criminal record. You’ll find tips, information and resources to help you search for, apply for, and begin a new job.

The Career Services and Advising Center strives to be a welcoming center for all students. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for our students of color and supporting their career development needs. 

Students and alumni of color can experience unique considerations during the job and internship search and in the workplace. Your identities bring unique assets and strengths into the workplace. We will work individually with you to help you unpack, identify, and explore your career interests, values, and goals.

How to evaluate organizations on their commitment to diversity and inclusion:  Many organizations are actively working to diversify their recruitment strategies to attract and retain a more diverse workforce. As a student of color, researching organizations is key to making a career choice.

We encourage the following:

  • View the organization's leadership structure and team to evaluate for diversity and inclusion
  • Research how the organization supports its diverse workforce. (This can include recruiting strategies, mentorship programs, internal teams and affinity groups, community support, etc.)
  • Look to see if the organization is on Diversity Inc.’s Top 50
  • Review the organization’s job postings to see if they require a diversity statement or inclusivity requirement on the post.
  • Read Reviews: What do others (e.g. peers, alumni, current employees) say about the organizational culture? Find reviews on Handshake and Glassdoor.
  • Ask questions during your interview to determine if the organization supports employees of color.
Professional Associations/Resources
Internship Programs
Job Boards

We are committed to helping students with visible and non-visible disabilities find gainful and satisfying employment. 

U.S. law provides specific protection against work-related discrimination based on a person’s distinct abilities. 

Here are a collection of other career-related resources for those with differing abilities, including relevant information on employers, professional organizations, and funding sources.

Professional Associations, Advocacy Organizations and Resources

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission supports individuals with disabilities in the job search and application process, as well as the job accommodation process.  Counselors work with job seekers on resumes, interview preparation and making connections with employers. The MRC also supports persons with disabilities in disclosing disabilities to employers and obtaining appropriate job accommodations.

To access services, students should attend an information session at 49 Nursery Lane, Fitchburg, MA 01420:

  • Every Tuesday at 11 a.m.
  • First Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.
  • Be sure to list the Fitchburg State Career Services and Advising Center as your referral source

Work Opportunities Unlimited offers Pre-Employment Transition Services to students, including workplace readiness training, job exploration counseling, work-based learning experience, post-secondary education counseling, and developing self-advocacy skills.

The Massachusetts Office on Disability shares a wealth of information regarding disability rights, access and resources. 

American Association of People with Disabilities

National Alliance on Mental Health

Learning Disabilities Association of America

AC online: College Resources for Students with Disabilities

Rights and Job Accommodations

Massachusetts state Employment Rights of People with Disabilities

Mass Hire resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities

Disability Equality Index: Disability:IN has rated companies on their disability inclusiveness.

The Job Accommodation Network provides lists of appropriate job accommodations organized by disability, limitation, job function or accommodation type.

The Learning Disabilities Association of America provides a list of reasonable job accommodations for limitations associated with learning disabilities.

Strengths Based Disclosure Guide (PDF)

Internship Programs

American Association of People with Disabilities summer internship program

American Association for the Advancement of Science Entry Point! Internship program

Talent Development and Innovation and Sciences Internship

Job Boards

Work Without Limits

Workplace Recruitment Program

Diversity and Inclusion job board

Mentra is a job board exclusively for neurodivergent job seekers

The Career Services and Advising Center is dedicated to serving all students and alumni regardless of their immigration status. We have compiled a list of resources that will assist you with understanding your employment rights, as well as resources for your job and internship search.

Advocacy Organizations and Resources

The National Immigration Law Center has excellent resources about DACA and Employment and about obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Informed Immigrant provides straightforward information about immigration status, updates on Supreme Court action and understanding your rights.

Citizen Path has information about employment rights with DACA.

Immigration Law Help’s list of legal resources in MA

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition resources

Immigrants Rising’s Entrepreneurship Fund provides grants to undocumented entrepreneurs working to create positive social change.

Advocacy Organizations

Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) shares information regarding career pathways for pre-health undocumented students and advocates for more progressive institutional and governmental policies for undocumented students.

Student Immigrant Movement is a Massachusetts-based statewide immigrant youth-led organization. They organize youth, ages 13-30, and provide political education, leadership training, guidance, mentorship, and safe healing spaces.

United We Dream organizes and advocates for the dignity and fair treatment of immigrant youth and families, regardless of immigration status through federal legislation.

My Undocumented Life is a blog founded by an undocumented college student which highlights resources for students.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Opportunities

The Dream provides scholarships to highly-qualified DREAMers to help them pay for their college education.

National Immigration Law Center resource on Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities available to students, regardless of immigration status

The Career Services and Advising Center is committed to being a partner to our student veterans on campus. We look forward to helping you prepare for your next steps after Fitchburg State and to help you build on the skills, experiences, and talents you have already gained through your experiences.

Use the Veterans Job Matcher to find civilian careers that might be a good match for your military skills.

The MA Department of Higher Education's Veterans Education page

LinkedIn Premium discount for veterans

My Next Move resources for veterans

Feds Hire Vets is a site for Federal employment information for Veterans, transitioning military service members, and their families.

The Department of Labor's Veterans’ Employment and Training Service

Military Officers Association of America

Student Veterans of America

Massachusetts Veterans’ Job Programs and Services

The Office of Career Services and Advising will provide assistance to all constituents Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To make an appointment with a member of our team please contact us by phone 978.665.3151 or via email at careercenter@fitchburgstate.edu.