The iSchool Career Services team is dedicated to communicating and working thoughtfully with every student who seeks our support. Over time, we have found some questions are frequently asked, often related to the ongoing pandemic and the services we provide. Below you will find a list of common student questions categorized by topic.

For your convenience, please check for your question prior to reaching out to Career Services. If you do not see your question, we invite you to email iCareers@uw.edu or submit an Anonymous Feedback Form.

This FAQ was last updated on January 14, 2022.

COVID-19 and Virtual Recruitment

How will the ongoing pandemic affect my search for a job or internship?

Hiring has increased dramatically in recent months, and most employers are moving forward with their internship programs for 2022. Virtual recruiting is here to stay, so you should be prepared to participate in virtual career fairs and networking events and get comfortable with online interviewing. Check out our webinar recordings for tips on preparing for an online interview and virtual networking.

If you have additional questions or concerns, schedule a 30-minute 1:1 appointment with the Career Services team via Handshake, come to a virtual drop-in (view our drop-in hours), or attend one of our upcoming small group sessions or workshops.

What support is Career Services offering in response to these current events?

Career Services offers weekly online small group career coaching sessions and workshops to address questions such as how to network while social distancing, how to stay focused on the job search in uncertain times, and how to prepare for online interviews. Log in to Handshake to view the full calendar of small group coaching sessions and workshops, to make a 1:1 career advising appointment, and to access Zoom links for appointments or virtual drop-ins. To view past workshops, visit our Workshop Recordings page. For the Class of 2020 onward, all iSchool students have access to Career Services for one year after graduation.

I have concerns about the job search process; who can I talk to?

All current Informatics, MSIM, MLIS, and iSchool Ph.D. students are invited to make an appointment to talk to a career advisor about the job search process. You can schedule an appointment with Bev Chan (Career Advisor) through Handshake.

To schedule an academic advising appointment, please contact your academic advisor.

Law Librarianship students can also schedule an appointment with Carla Wale (Senior Lecturer; Director, MLIS Law Librarianship Specialization) at uwlawlib@uw.edu or 206.685.4980.

Supporting International Students

How do I obtain CPT or OPT work authorization?

If you are a student with an F-1 visa, you may wish to apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) in order to gain credit through an internship as a continuing student, or you may be seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization to be hired in a full-time role after graduation. You must meet certain requirements before you can apply to gain CPT/OPT. Read more about CPT eligibility and OPT eligibility on the International Student Services website. While our office is not involved in CPT/OPT forms or decisions, we are more than happy to support you to seek and apply to positions that hire international students.

What employers sponsor H1-B visas?

Due to COVID-19’s impact on the labor market, many employers are no longer able to provide sponsorship. However, we advise you not to become discouraged. As a first stop, please explore the UW Career Center’s Going Global resource, which contains a directory of many employers currently open to hiring international students and providing sponsorship for H1-B work visas.

Job Search

What are the career outcomes for iSchool students? 

We publish annual career first-destination outcomes for our graduates each summer. View our 2020 Career Outcome infographics for Informatics, MSIM, and MLIS.

Should I use a template for my resume? Do I need multiple versions of my resume?

While templates can be good starting points for building a resume, it is essential to tailor your resume specific to your strengths, which often requires reexamining the sections and organization of your resume. For every job position, you should tailor your resume to highlight key phrases and experiences specific to the role you’re applying for.

Do I need a portfolio? How can I get help with my portfolio?

It depends. Portfolios are primarily needed for those entering UX or design fields. However, students entering other fields may also find it beneficial to use portfolios to showcase projects and skills to potential employers. For additional help, we have provided a few helpful links on the Job Documents page or schedule an appointment with us. Our office also offers portfolio review feedback — just email iCareers@uw.edu with your portfolio.

Can you give me feedback on my resume or cover letter?

Yes! To receive feedback on your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn or supplemental job documents (such as diversity statements), email your document to iCareers@uw.edu as a PDF. You may submit your resume up to 2 times per quarter. Job document review is available to current students as well as alumni for up to 1 year following graduation.

Appointments

I’m not an iSchool student. Can I make an appointment with Career Services?

The iSchool’s career services, including making appointments, are only available to current iSchool students and alumni (up to one year after graduation starting with Class of 2020 onward) from any of our following degree programs: Informatics (INFO), Master of Science in Information Management (MSIM), Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Law Librarianship, and Doctorate of Information Science (PhD). INFO minors and all other UW students and alumni can schedule an appointment with the UW Career & Internship Center.

I’m an incoming iSchool student. Can I make an appointment with Career Services before I start?

All new or incoming iSchool students beginning Fall quarter will be able to schedule appointments with Career Services in Handshake during mid-September. For incoming iSchool students for other quarters, they will be able to schedule appointments in Handshake during the first week of their first quarter of enrollment.

I’m an iSchool alum. For how long am I still allowed to make an appointment with Career Services?

Starting with the Class of 2020 onward, all iSchool students will have access to Career Services for one year after graduation. This includes scheduling 1:1 appointments, attending online drop-ins, and participating in iSchool career workshops and events. You may use your Handshake alumni account or email iCareers@uw.edu to schedule an appointment.

I’m not available for any of the appointment times on Handshake. What are my options?

If you are a student faced with circumstances such as differences in time zone due to living outside the Pacific Northwest, working while a student, or other circumstances that make it difficult to book an open appointment time during our regular office hours (approximately 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PT), please email iCareers@uw.edu to inquire about scheduling an alternate or evening appointment time. Advisors have limited availability outside of the appointment times on Handshake, but will make every effort to accommodate your needs.