How to Access Career Coaching, Handshake, and Internship Resources at the University of Arizona

The Center for Career Readiness at the University of Arizona (career.arizona.edu) is the starting point for career support, and most of its core services are open to all Wildcats. You can drop into LifeLab for a same-day conversation with a student peer, book a 1:1 career advising appointment in person or on Zoom, use Handshake at no cost to connect with jobs and internships, and follow the Big 7 checklist to prepare for an internship. The sections below explain what each resource is for and how to start using it.

Start with LifeLab if you don't know where to begin

LifeLab is a drop-in space where students can ask questions and take a clear next step. It is designed for students who are curious, unsure, or just starting to think about careers — no appointment is necessary.

How it works:

• Who you talk to: a student peer who has been in a similar position.
• What happens: you talk through your questions, set a goal, and leave with one clear next step — for example, sending an email, signing up for an event, or updating your resume.
• Drop-in hours: Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., in person or on Zoom.
• How often you can come: as many times as you like.

This is the lowest-commitment entry point. If you are not ready to book a formal advising appointment, LifeLab is the place to start.

Book 1:1 career coaching

1:1 career advising appointments are available in person or on Zoom. Use these when you want individualized guidance on your internship or job search, your resume, or your overall career direction.

One student described the experience this way: "I enjoyed the 1:1 interaction and non-judgmental conversation to talk through my interests and goals."

When to choose 1:1 coaching over LifeLab: if you have a specific document to review, a decision to work through, or want sustained guidance rather than a single next step.

Use Handshake to find jobs and internships

Handshake is free for Wildcats. It connects you with jobs, internships, and career support. If you are actively searching — or want to see what is available before you are ready to apply — this is the platform to use.

What it gives you:

• Job and internship listings
• Career support resources
• A way to connect with employers while still in college

Prepare for an internship with the Big 7

All Wildcats are encouraged to create an internship plan and pursue at least one paid internship or research experience during their time at the University of Arizona. A paid internship is described as one of the best ways to build career-readiness skills and connect with employers while still in college.

The Big 7: Your Internship Readiness Checklist is the structured way to prepare, and you can start on your first day as a Wildcat. Completing all seven steps is intended to leave you with:

• An online profile
• Skill-building experiences
• A strong resume
• A polished self-introduction
• Confidence in your interviewing skills and search strategy

As one student put it: "My internship helped me adapt to the professional world, something classes don't always prepare you for."

Get updates tailored to your stage

You can subscribe for regular email updates tailored to your stage of career exploration by selecting your interests. This is useful if you want reminders about events and resources without checking the site repeatedly.

Quick comparison: which resource fits your situation

Common sticking points

• "I don't have an appointment." You don't need one for LifeLab — just drop in during the posted hours.
• "I'm only a first-year." The Big 7 is explicitly designed to be started on your first day as a Wildcat, so early is fine.
• "I'm not sure I want an internship yet." The internship guidance is framed as preparation for a future internship or research experience, so you can use it before you commit to applying.