Connecting with Employers

Research Potential Employers

Company research is a key piece in the job search and interview process. Spend some time before the interview researching to understand what the company does and why you would be the right fit for a particular position. Find out what they are known for. Are they in the news? What is their mission? What kind of culture do they have? What do they value?

Attend Information Sessions

Employers host presentations at Penn State to offer more information on their company, culture, open job and internship opportunities, and more. At the end of the session, there is generally time for networking and questions with the organization's representatives. Every company's session is different, so be sure to read their descriptions in Nittany Lion Careers.

Classroom Guest Lectures

Executives from companies and government agencies occasionally have the opportunity to guest lecture in our courses. Guest lectures offer you a chance to learn about the curriculum topic from an industry professional and provide unique insight into what it's like to work in that field.

Additional Resources

• Entry Level Employers - A database of entry level employers and information about each of the employers listed.
• Hoovers - A comprehensive company, industry, and market intelligence database with in-depth coverage of the world's top business enterprises.
• Firsthand Online Career Library - An extensive resource of company and industry research, career profiles, and internship opportunities.
• Monster Company Search - A search tool for company profiles and career opportunities.

Build Your Experience

You'll have countless opportunities to apply what you learn in the classroom through real-world experiences that build your resume and expand your professional network.

Internship Program

Most IST undergraduate degree programs require you to complete at least one internship for credit before graduation. More than half of IST students complete multiple internships before leaving campus, and most receive a job offer from one of their internship providers. Through internships, you can test-drive a particular set of job duties, a company, or a career path to see if it truly suit your interests and skills.

Semester-Long Course Projects

Through partnerships with corporations and agencies, you can gain hands-on experience with real-world problems and suggest solutions to executives at the end of the course.

Case Competitions and Hackathons

Compete with fellow Penn State and IST students on a topic or challenge presented by a company. Check out Nittany Lion Careers and watch your email for unique opportunities to showcase your talents.

Get Career Ready

From resume reviews to on-campus interviews, IST students have access to tailored career support and events that connect them directly with employers looking for their specialized skills.

Attend Career Fairs and Events

The Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement coordinates career fairs and events specifically for IST students. These events let you explore internship and career opportunities with employers seeking to hire professionals with their unique skills, while also giving employers exclusive access to the college's impressive pool of talented students.

Have Your Resume Reviewd

Have your resume reviewed by both an IST career coach and representative from an organization that wants to hire IST students. Also, watch your email for opportunities and events to have your resume reviewed by an IST Diplomat or peer career mentor.

Prepare for Interviews

Many employers host initial interviews at University Park for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions. Learn more about the interview process and how to prepare so you can land the job.