FAQ
Career Services
What is Buckeye Careers?
As part of the Office of Student Life, Buckeye Careers is university-wide initiative designed to support students throughout their professional development, with a focus on connecting them with local, national and global organizations. Read more about our team.
Where can students set up a career coaching appointment?
Students can go to their college career services office and follow the office’s process for scheduling an appointment. All Ohio State students, regardless of major or program, can make an appointment to discuss career exploration, job search preparation and graduate school application processes with the Office of Student Life Buckeye Careers.
Can students have someone review their resume and help with interview prep?
Several career offices around campus offer resume review and mock interview services. Students should check with their college career services office. Buckeye Careers also provides these services for all Ohio State students by appointment or through regularly scheduled workshops.
What if a student is undecided about a career path and would like to explore their options?
There are quite a few resources for students who are not yet sure about their career plans. Individual colleges may have career coaches to help, and all students can make an appointment with the Office of Student Life Buckeye Careers.
What policies does your office follow regarding student records and confidentiality?
When your student attends Ohio State, and is 18 years or over, they will be the only person able to access their academic record. This is due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA, as amended, sets forth requirements designed to protect the privacy of student educational records. The law governs access to records maintained by educational institutions and the release of information from those records. You can read more about this regulation on the U.S. Department of Education website.
Handshake
What is Handshake?
Handshake is the university’s official job resource for all currently enrolled Ohio State students. Handshake is an intuitive, easy-to-use job search system to help students connect with employers for part-time jobs, internships, co-ops and full-time career opportunities. Handshake grows with students throughout their time at Ohio State. They can use Handshake to find a job on campus during their first year, explore internships and co-ops as they gain more experience in their major, as well as find their first job after graduation. Students can also explore career paths taken by students who have similar majors and interests. Read more about Handshake online.
When do new students get access to Handshake?
New students will have access to Handshake on July 1. Students must log in with their “name.#@osu.edu” email address and password at handshake.osu.edu.
Are campus jobs posted to Handshake?
Yes! Most on-campus positions, as well as other job opportunities near campus and throughout Columbus, are posted in Handshake.
Is there a list of employers who will be recruiting Ohio State students?
The best way to stay up-to-date on employer-sponsored events is to check the “Events” tab on Handshake.
Job Search and Career Fairs
How does a student find a job or internship?
Students can look for internship opportunities on Ohio State’s university-wide job board, Handshake. This system has thousands of jobs, internships and career opportunities, as well as information about upcoming career fairs and employer networking events.
What is the Fall Career and Internship Fair?
The Fall Career and Internship Fair is a university-wide fair that connects students from all majors, graduate programs and degree levels with employers seeking to recruit for career employment, internships and co-ops. Find more information about this year’s fair.
When should students begin attending career fairs?
The fair is free to attend and open to all Ohio State students and recent alumni. Students who are still exploring career paths and opportunities are welcome to come to the career fair to explore career interests, employers and become familiar in participating in a career fair. We encourage students to attend early in their time at Ohio State so they are familiar with the career fair setting early on.
When should students start seeking internship opportunities?
Students can begin exploring internship opportunities in Handshake at any time. Internships posted to Handshake will often state the employer’s preference for school year. Some employers are open to recruiting rising sophomores, while others will focus their recruiting efforts on third and fourth year students. Many employers recruit interns 8-10 months prior to the internship start date. For example, most employers will recruit for summer interns in fall semester.
Is there a complete list of career fairs and events?
Nearly all career-focused events, including the major career fairs, are located on Handshake. The student will be able to log in with their Ohio State name.# and be able to see what career fairs are available for all students and college-specific career fairs. We also maintain an updated calendar of career fairs on our website.
Are there resources for students who may need help getting clothes for interviews and career fairs?
Yes! Students should check the Events tab in Handshake for different career closet and discounted shopping events, as well as the annual Office of Student Life Career Closet event held every spring and fall semester.
How can families be supportive?
Families can support their students by offering supportive, open communication, as well as encouraging new levels of independence that allow students to make satisfying career choices and become reliable contributors to society. Let them engage in decision-making and actively explore their occupational options before making a commitment. We have guidelines to summarize helpful practices that families can use to foster the career exploration process on our website.