Professional U Frequently Asked Questions

Professional U offers a menu of professional development and experiential learning opportunities beyond what you are learning in the classroom to help you position yourself for career success.

What is Handshake?

Handshake is your personal career management tool. Use it to:

• Sign up for Professional U workshops and events
• Store your important job search documents (resume, cover letter, transcripts)
• Find a host to job shadow
• Find and apply for an internship
• Register for on-campus interviews
• Find and apply for jobs as you near graduation
• Connect with your peers

What are Professional U workshops?

Professional U workshops are free and designed to assist you in career preparation while you are a student. Learn how to: prepare a resume and cover letter; dress for success; succeed at a job interview; use proper business etiquette; develop networking skills and more. Register to attend workshops and programs through Handshake.

What is an informational interview?

If you are curious about a career field but would like to know more, talking with and questioning professionals actively working in your desired job position can help you determine if it is a good “fit” for you. If you are looking for someone in a particular field, BU graduates are a great resource. Join the BU Alumni LinkedIn group and ask questions of alumni members.

What is the Husky Shadows program?

The Husky Shadows Program, is a 3-5 day, 20-40 hour, job shadowing program that helps you to learn more about a career field by observing a professional in the workplace. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for participation in the program, however a 2.5 GPA is preferred. You will receive a notation of completion on your official academic transcript upon successfully finishing this program.

What is the difference between a for-credit and non-credit internship?

An academic internship is a supervised, planned, learning experience in a work environment that is taken for academic credit in coordination with your faculty advisor and college department. You must apply, be approved and pay for tuition credits. A non-credit internship is also an experience in a work environment but without an academic component.

What are Professional U networking events?

Studies show that between 60-80 percent of jobs are found through networking – talking and socializing with other professionals. Typically held off campus, Professional U networking events allow you to meet with friendly alumni and practice skills, such as your personal elevator pitch, and receive feedback, career advice and potential job leads.

What’s a Husky Road Trip?

Hop on the bus with faculty or career center staff to tour organizations and meet with professionals - some of them may be BU alumni – for a unique, up-close look at industries and employment opportunities related to your career field.

What are job and internship fairs?

Many top companies and organizations visit college campuses each year to recruit students for internships and part-time or full time job positions. The Center for Professional Development and Career Experience holds a Career Connections Expo at BU each fall. Other job and internship fairs are held in conjunction with your college or off campus. Transportation to off-campus fairs may be available.

What is on-campus recruiting?

Employers from various organizations conduct interviews with students on campus for open job positions. Most interviews take place in the Center for Professional Development and Career Experience. The selection process for participation requires registration and resume submission through Handshake.

What career events are held by my college or other organizations?

Several colleges hold career programs in addition to classroom studies. The College of Business offers a conference through the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development. A Career Day is held by the College of Science and Technology. The College of Education holds a student-teacher conference each year. The Husky Leadership Summit, which is open to all students, is held annually and sponsored by Professional U, Center for Leadership Engagement and the Community Government Association. Some departments within colleges also hold career events for students in particular majors.

What is a Professional Experience Grant

What is a Professional Experience Grant? Funded by generous alumni donors and the University’s Student Success Fee, a professional experience grant is a scholarship awarded to a student who has decided to gain professional and career experience through: an internship; a study abroad experience; a service project; a professional conference; faculty-mentored undergraduate research; or creative performance activities. Any full-time undergraduate student can apply.