Handshake is our career development resource. To find career resources, information and opportunities, as well as the materials listed below, please visit your Handshake account. 

  • Career information
  • Resumes and letters
  • Interviewing and networking
  • Experiential education: Co-ops and internships
  • Job searches and negotiations
  • Graduate school information
  • Events and  workshop information

The Career Center is the perfect place to start a career search. Whether you’re a first-year student or you’re a senior getting ready for that next step, our staff will work directly with you to create an individualized plan to meet your career objectives. We will provide the linkages, support and resources needed to make your career exploration, preparation, internship/co-op or employment search successful. To arrange a time to discuss your specific needs, please visit the Career Center on the second floor of the Educational Resources Center (ERC) or call 315-268-6477.

Co-ops & Internships

Real-world experience is at the heart of a Clarkson education. In fact, Clarkson University students are required to complete a professional experience before they graduate. The Career Center has the resources to help you find an internship (semester or summer) or co-op that fits your interests and career goals.

What is a Co-op?

A co-op, short for "cooperative education," is a paid position with a company for a full academic semester and often the summer. Students on co-op do not usually take classes during their time away from campus. Co-ops offer several advantages over internships. Since co-ops are longer than most internships, you can take on greater responsibilities and get a better real-world feel for the job. Many companies use co-ops as a six-month "interview" for a full-time position after graduation.

What is an Internship?

An internship is another great way to get an inside look at a future career. It is a summer-only position that usually lasts between eight and 12 weeks. Responsibilities vary greatly with each company, but you’ll leave with real-world experience and a solid reference on your resume.

Parents

Welcome to the Career Center and International Studies Office! We understand that you will have many questions surrounding co-ops, internships and full-time opportunities. We at the Career Center take an active approach through our case management model to assist students in obtaining their career-related goals.

The entire career process, from determining an academic major to managing a job search, is often an overwhelming process for students and parents. Therefore, we encourage you to contact our office with questions and/or concerns, and we look forward to sharing Career Center initiatives with you.

Below are two guides that provide information for parents and students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 315-268-6477. We look forward to working with your Clarkson University student!

Parents' Guide to Clarkson

Freshman Guide to Clarkson

Career Center Information

2019 Professional Experience

As a student service, the Career Center bridges student and employer connections through job postings on Handshake, Career Fairs and campus interviewing. Over 2200 students last year used our resources!

During the academic year, we have 150+ Career Fair attendees each Spring, 190+ Career Fair Attendees every fall, and over 100 interview schedules on campus throughout the semester outside of Career Fair. 

The Career Center encourages students to connect as early as possible to begin setting yourself up for success. We offer pre-first year programs and early support because early experience leads to long-term success. 

Our data shows internships and co-ops positively impact placement rates and average starting salaries. As shown in the chart, 87% of students graduating in 2019 participated in the internship or co-op program!