The AU Career Center teaches graduate students how to develop educational and career goals, decision-making skills, and job search strategies needed to manage their professional and academic pursuits. They provide expert advising, opportunities for online, on- campus, and off-campus interactions, and access to current career information and resources.

They primarily serve graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), School of Communication (SOC), and School of Public Affairs (SPA). However, many of their events and programs are open to all graduate students and alumni.

Students in Kogod, SIS, and WCL may access their respective career services information below:

Kogod School of Business (KSB) Office of Career Engagement

School of International Service (SIS) Office of Career Development

Washington College of Law (WCL) Office of Career and Professional Development

Location: 5th floor of Butler Pavilion, two floors above the Campus Store

Social: Follow @AUCareerCenter on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Us: (Phone) 202-885-1804 or (Email) careercenter@american.edu

Top Resources for Graduate Students

1. Career Center Homepage

Access information about the Career Center, its services and events, and find career development information and resources available 24/7

2. Career Advisors

You have a career advisor! Schedule an appointment for career advice, resume assistance, interview preparation, or to expand your networking skills. Appointments are held in-person, over the phone, or over Skype. You can schedule an appointment in Handshake or by calling the Career Center at 202-885-1804.

3. Handshake

Use their comprehensive career management platform to schedule advising appointments, search and apply for jobs and internships, RSVP for events, and access their password-protected resources (Big Interview, Career Spots, and GoinGlobal). Claim the account they’ve created for you by using your AU username and password after clicking here. (Note: Do not “create” a new account.) Complete your profile and preferences for a curated experience based on your interests. Make your profile public to be searchable by a nationwide database of employers.

4. Career Resource Library

Part of the AU Library System, Career Services Resource Library holds more than 450 books and periodicals, including test-prep books. While some materials can only be used in the Library, the majority can be checked out for four weeks. (Per the AU Library’s policy, online students may request to have books mailed to them.) Their Resource Library features a small study area, two computers, and free coffee and tea. A printer is also available for free printing of up to 10 pages of career-related materials.

5. Alumnifire

From advice and mentorship to jobs and local opportunities, Alumnifire is full of Eagles offering informational interviews, resume reviews, networking, or general career advice.

The alumni in this platform have all joined because they want to help students and recent graduates navigate opportunities in the real world. There’s no need for another new username and password: you can sign up immediately using your LinkedIn or Facebook Account.

6. Big Interview

Prepare for your next interview at your convenience. Practice interviewing using general, industry, and competency-based question sets with interviewers whose questioning style ranges from “standard” to “tough.” Learn how to ace your interviews with the Fast-Track curriculum; if you have more time, watch or read through the Mastery lessons to become an interviewing pro. The Answer Builder will help you build replies to behavioral questions.
Access through Handshake under Career Center > Resources.

7. CareerSpots Videos

Start or develop your job search skills with short CareerSpots videos recommended by our expert advisors. These videos provide excellent three-minute career advice on a variety of topics, including networking, interviewing, and delivering a successful elevator pitch.
Access through Handshake under Career Center > Resources.

8. GoinGlobal

Find information for your global job search, both abroad and in the U.S. Access country-specific guides, a list of H1B employers, financial considerations, job and internship opportunities, and resume and cover letter advice by country.
Access through Handshake under Career Center > Resources.

9. Merit Awards Advising

Nationally competitive merit awards provide opportunities for academic enrichment, such as studying abroad, funding additional study, and gaining high-level work experience. Search our National Scholarship Directory for opportunities that fit your academic profile and aspirations. Identify relevant scholarship possibilities, being mindful of application/nomination processes and deadlines, and schedule an advising appointment with the Career Center’s Office of Merit Awards to answer questions about specific award opportunities.
Location: Letts Hall – Lower Level, Suite 6 | 202-885-1854

Guide to Employers on Campus

The AU Career Center strives to help thousands of organizations meet their recruiting needs by hosting numerous opportunities for them to engage with AU students and alumni. A summary of opportunities is below. All engagement starts in Handshake, where students can view and apply for jobs and internships; register for upcoming employer events; and ‘favorite’ employers to receive alerts anytime a preferred employer is on campus or posts an opportunity.

1. Job and Internship Fairs

Held each fall and spring semester, our Fairs attract more than 140 public, private, and nonprofit organizations eager to recruit AU students and alumni. Find dates, times, and preparation tips on our website. Can’t attend in person? Find the registered employers in Handshake and review their open positions. If any are of interest, send your resume to careercenter@american.edu and we will share it with the employer on your behalf.

2. Networking Receptions

This series of industry and affinity-based student-alumni networking receptions takes place during the fall and spring semesters. Attend a reception to practice your elevator pitch, speak with alumni about their experiences and career trajectories, ask employers for the inside scoop on landing a job or internship with their organizations, and make connections with professionals in your desired fields. Can’t attend in person? Email careercenter@american.edu following the event to request a list of organizations that attended. If any are of interest, send us your resume and we will share it with the employer on your behalf.

3. Employer-in-Residence (EiR)

This program connects students and representatives from partner organizations for pre-scheduled, one-on-one informational interviews. Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Slots open in Handshake two weeks prior to the organization’s visit. Business casual dress is required. Can’t attend your scheduled appointment in person? Let them know in advance and they can make arrangements for a phone or Skype meeting during your scheduled time.

Click here for EiR information and policies

4. On Campus Interviewing (OCI)

OCI brings employers to campus to interview AU candidates for specific positions. Interviews take place in the Career Center or in the Kogod Office of Career Engagement. Students and alumni who qualify for positions are eligible to apply in Handshake. Can’t attend your scheduled interview in person? Let them know in advance and they can make arrangements for a phone or Skype meeting during your scheduled time.

Click here for OCI information and policies

5. Employer Meet-Ups and Pop-Ups

Gain a stronger understanding of an organization or industry and the types of candidates they are seeking. Network with recruiters, and gain an insider’s perspective on the recruiting process. See a list of upcoming events in Handshake and register in advance to express your interest to the employer.