Career Services

Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.

Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization

Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.

Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.

Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.

Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.

Who can have an on-campus job?
All students are eligible for on-campus jobs regardless of their financial status. Students receiving Federal Work Study (FWS) awards are given priority over non-FWS students. All students are required to complete specific paperwork prior to starting any job on campus.

Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally subsidized work program that encourages the part-time employment of undergraduates who need the income to help pay for the cost of their education. At UM, students who qualify for FWS through the financial aid process are given priority over non-work study students in securing employment on campus. FWS students apply for jobs through our employment page at umobile.edu/employment. Several  departments employee students throughout the academic year, and are represented at the job fair held at the beginning of each semester.

International Students
As an international student, there are some restrictions on your ability to work in the United States. Employment is permitted based on your visa classification or by receiving special permission from the Department of Homeland Security. International students with an F-1 Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours/week while classes are in session and up to 29 hours/week when classes are not in session. For more information, we encourage you to reach out to International Student Services. This department will support you throughout your time at UM. Faculty and staff looking for assistance with hiring an F1-Visa International Student may contact Hali Givens at hgivens@umobile.edu.

What is “work-study”?
Work-Study is a government-subsidized employment program designed to assist students in financing the cost of their education. To be eligible for work study a student must demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At UM, financial need is reviewed every year. Students who qualify for work-study will be notified of their award by the Financial Aid Office as part of their comprehensive aid package.

 Can I study while I’m working?
A work-study job is not a “study hall.” Student employees play a key role in the operational support of the college. Before each shift, check in with your supervisor to determine what work needs to be done on behalf of the department. In some instances, if a supervisor does not have an assignment, then you can ask whether it is permissible to study.

What paperwork is required for an on-campus job?
To begin working, all new and re-hires must go through onboarding with Human Resources after applying, and receiving an offer of employment. Human Resources will email students when they are ready to onboard with instructions on all required items.  If identification documents are needed, students will be directed to present original documents from the list of acceptable documents to prove their identity and authorization to work in the United States.  All employees are paid electronically so direct deposit will need to be established.

How many hours can I work?
UM students work 10 hours per week. Our students’ education takes priority and this allows students the time necessary to complete class assignments, prepare for projects and tests, and have a social life.

How do I enter my work hours?
Student workers enter their hours in Self-Services. Human Resources will provide instructions. If you have questions, please contact Melanie Rice at mrice@umobile.edu.

I forgot to enter my hours!
Self-Services allows students to enter time and edit shifts, so if you forget to record your time, you are able to make these corrections within the time allotted.  Incorrectly reporting your time is considered falsifying a time sheet and is in violation of our standards.

What is the student pay rate?
Currently the Federal Work Study hourly student pay rate is $10.00.

Will my income be taxed as a student worker?
Yes, student earnings are considered taxable income for federal and state income tax purposes. During the summer, we don’t take FICA and Medicare taxes from student workers. Individual tax elections control taxes taken out. HR is unable to assist with specific tax questions, and students will need to connect with a tax professional if they have further questions.

Are student workers eligible for worker’s compensation?
Yes, students employed at UM are covered by the university’s worker compensation policy. If you are injured during the course and scope of your job, you should contact your supervisor immediately.

Where is the Office of Student Employment located?
You can visit the Student Success Career Office Suite in Weaver Hall.

We view faculty, advisors, and other UM staff as critical to our vision, which is that every Ram will graduate with the skills, experience, professional connections, and academic knowledge to pursue careers that lead to personal fulfillment, financial wellness, positive contributions to workplaces and communities, and continued engagement with the UM family.

The goal of this page is to equip staff and faculty with tools for effective career-related engagement with students.  If you have ideas for additional resources that might further empower you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Lawrencine Mason at lmason@umobile.edu.

Class Presentations
Ask our staff to speak to your class or your organization! We are happy to speak to your class about career topics. Requests should be submitted one month in advance of the anticipated presentation date. We will try to accommodate requests, but we may not be able to assist due to other engagements or conflicts.

Please email Lawrencine Mason at lmason@umobile.edu to request a presentation or if you have any questions.

 Presentation Topics:

• Building a LinkedIn Profile:Learn why LinkedIn is an essential personal branding tool, and explore how to utilize it for professional networking, the job search, and more.
• Business Etiquette: Introduces the basics of business etiquette and the importance of proper etiquette as it relates to interviewing and business situations.
• Career Center Overview:An ideal workshop to help students learn about The Career Center, including our services, programs, events, resources, and more!
• Career Fair Strategies: Tips for navigating a career fair, including strategies on what to do before, during, and after a networking event with employers.
• Choosing a Major: Designed to help students learn about career decision-making and the steps to choosing a major, including self-exploration activities and resources to learn about academic majors.
• Dress for Success: Request this workshop for tips on making strong first impressions as it relates to interviewing and professional situations.
• Graduate School: To Go or Not To Go: Students will explore key factors in making the career decision to pursue an advanced degree through graduate or professional school.
• Internships: Learn methods, explore tools, and gain resources related to finding, selecting, landing, and making the most out of internships and experiential learning opportunities.
• Interviewing:Designed to help students learn how to prepare for the interview in terms of researching the employer, knowing what to expect in an interview, how to dress properly, how to combat anxiety, and more.
• Job Search Strategies:Provides an overview of key steps in the job search process, including job search myths, a discussion of various job search methods, essential job search tools and strategies, and how to make the process more manageable!
• Matching Majors to Careers:Students will learn how to connect majors to educational and career alternatives in this workshop to better prepare them for the internship/job search.
• Negotiating Job Offers: Students will learn about job evaluation and salary negotiation skills, including ethical considerations and dealing with multiple job offers!
• Professional Communication: Learn the importance of excellent oral and written communication skills while examining the do’s and don’ts for emerging professionals.
• Resume Critiquing:Designed for individuals who have developed resumes and would like assistance in making them better! Students will have the opportunity to critique their own resume in a group format, with help from career staff.
• Resume Writing/Cover Letters:Designed for students unsure of where to begin in writing a resume. We’ll discuss the purpose of a resume, the various sections within a resume, different resume styles, and strategies for formatting. We can also include information about writing cover letters!
• Social Media and the Job Search: Optimize your job search by learning how to effectively use the most common social media channels utilized by recruiters.
• Writing a Personal Statement: An important workshop for any student considering graduate or professional school, applying for scholarships/fellowships, or seeking other kinds of opportunities that require personal statements.  Students will receive tips and strategies for formatting and content creation of effective personal statements.

Ready to recruit new talent?
Through our academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities, University of Mobile students gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience necessary to excel in today’s dynamic job market. By partnering with University of Mobile, your organization will have access to a vibrant talent pool. Join us in shaping the future and benefit from the exceptional caliber of our students.

 Ways to get involved

• Promote your positions:Sign up as an employer through Handshake, our early career talent platform, and begin posting your internship and full-time positions to recruit University of Mobile students.
• Workshops, recruiting sessions, and more…We regularly host internship and career fairs, informational sessions and more. Partner with our team and explore the exciting opportunities available for your company to recruit our students.

Job Search Sites:
To register to receive government job notifications, please go to the following:
USAJobs.gov
Alabama State Personnel Board
Mobile County Personnel Board
FBI Jobs

Additional Job Search Sites:

AlabamaJobNetwork.com
Counseling Careers
LinkedIn Job Search
Careerbuilder.com
JobsInMobile.com
Simply Hired
Psychology Jobs

Christian Job Search Sites:
Christian Employment Resource
Vanderbloemen Search Group
Church Staffing Jobs
Careers In Ministry

Cover Letter Resources
Cover Letter Handout
Cover Letter A

Resume Resources

One of the first steps of your job search is writing a resume. Employers spend on average less than 30 seconds scanning a resume. Therefore, it is essential for your resume to project a clear and concise picture of your skills, professional qualities, goals, and achievements. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to put together a resume, but if you follow some of the suggestions outlined you will find your document can quickly draw the eye of recruiters!

Power Verbs
Descriptive Lines
Resume Headings
Resume Tips
Resume and Career Guide for People with Disabilities
Applying for a Job with a Disability
LinkedIn Learning Writing a Successful Resume

Downloadable Sample Resumes

Resume Writing Handout
Resume A – Sample Work-Study Resume
Resume B – Sample Externship Resume
Resume C – Sample Internship Resume
Resume D – Sample Full-Time Job Resume

Pathway Guides

Pathway Guide – Year 1
Pathway Guide – Year 2
Pathway Guide – Year 3
Pathway Guide – Year 4

 Interview Resources

Your 2023 Guide to the Most Common Interview Questions and Answers
Informational Interview Sheet
Post-Interview Worksheet
Interview Prep Worksheet
Company Research Worksheet

LinkedIn for Job Seekers

8 Dos and Don’ts of LinkedIn Profile Pictures
20 Steps to a Better LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn Network Can Help You Land a Job

What career will my major prepare me for?

What Can I Do With This Major?

Additional Student Resources

Why Professional Communication is Important in the Workplace
Salary Negotiation for Recent College Graduates
CollegeXpress Graduate Colleges & Universities
NACE Competencies Posters

Inventories & Career Help

HOLLAND CODE JOB APTITUDE TEST
GALLUP STRENGTHS INFORMATION
MYERS-BRIGGS PERSONALITY INVENTORY (MBTI)
O*NET

Graduate School Prep:

GRE Website  
GRE Test Prep  
LSAT Test Prep
Test Prep