Career Services: For Students & Alumni

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility Requirements for Students

The Office of Career Planning (OCP) serves students and alumni from the schools of undergraduate studies, business, accounting, and taxation*. Services include individual career consulting; internship and employment assistance; networking events; inclusion into resume books; on‐campus interviewing; and online internship and job listings.

Eligible students are automatically registered with a GGU Careers account and receive login instructions during their first week of enrollment at GGU. After logging in, students can access resources throughout the website.*Students and alumni in the Law program are served by a separate career office.

 

Eligibility Requirements for Alumni

Services offered by the Office of Career Planning are free to alumni from the schools of undergraduate studies, business, accounting, and taxation. If we believe that an alumnus can no longer be effectively served by our office through career counseling, we will provide the individual with a list of community resource referrals. While we may restrict access to career counseling appointments, an alumnus may still access job postings and online resources, as determined by the Director of the Office of Career Planning.

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GGU CAREERS

 

Career Consulting Appointments

One-on-one, confidential appointments with a career consultant for support in all aspects of career planning including job searching, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, LinkedIn profile development, networking skills, and salary negotiations. Make your appointment today!

 

GGU's Job & Internship Board

Access to jobs and internships posted for GGU students and alumni on GGU Careers.

 

CareerFlash Bi-Weekly Newsletter & Blog

Receive valuable career tips and resources via email and through our BLOG. 

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CAREER SERVICES USAGE AGREEMENT

As a student or alumnus who utilizes The Office of Career Planning (OCP) services, I agree to:

1. Provide accurate and honest information on my GGU Careers profile, resume, and all job search documents and in my interactions with employers.
2. Before registering for an event or making a career consulting appointment, I will ensure that I can honor this commitment. If I must cancel and appointment or event registration, I will do so in GGU Careers at least 24 hours in advance. Once I cannot cancel online, I understand that my cancellation is considered a "late cancellation" and must be cancelled by calling OCP.I understand that if I do not show up for a scheduled appointment/event and do not notify OCP in advance, I am considered a "no‐show". Consistent "late cancelations" and/or "no-shows" may result in a restriction of services.
3. Accept that career counseling is not appropriate for everyone. My career counselor has the right to remove my career counseling rights if he/she believes that I can no longer be effectively served by the office.
4. Keep ALL interview appointments with employers conducting campus interviews or notify OCP in advance of any emergency reason to cancel a commitment. I understand that I must cancel or reschedule campus interviews online by the cancelation deadline. Once I can no longer cancel online, I understand that my cancellation is considered a "late cancellation" and must be cancelled by calling OCP.I understand that if I do not keep my scheduled campus interview and do not notify OCP in advance, I am considered a "no‐show". I understand that if I "no‐show" two times I will lose my career services interview privileges.
5. Engage appropriately and professionally with all members of the GGU community (ex. employers, alumni, staff/faculty). Should my interactions be deemed as inappropriate, all or some of rights to career services and activities may be revoked.
6. Honor my acceptance of a job or internship offer. Once I accept an offer, I will withdraw from consideration for other opportunities, discontinue my job or internship search, and remove myself from any resume books (if applicable). I understand that it is unethical to accept a job or internship and then renege (turn down the offer). I will advise the OCP director of any extenuating circumstances that may cause me to reevaluate my job/internship acceptance before notifying the employer.
7. Accept the consequences of losing OCP privileges if I do not comply with these principles of conduct. I understand that some violations could result in a report to the Dean of Students.

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CAREER PLANNING SERVICES & RESOURCES

The Office of Career Planning (OCP) provides services to support students and alumni in strategic career management.

 

Assessments

Career Assessments such as MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory, CareerLeader, StrengthsQuest, and SkillScan (log into GGU4YOU for applicable fees)

 

Webshops

Online presentations on GGU eLearning.

 

Alumni Services

All alumni can utilize career services free of charge. This includes appointments with a career consultant, events, job postings, and online resources through GGU Careers.

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WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE ON GGU4YOU?

While many of our resources are available through GGU Careers, students and alumni have access to a list of employers who have hired GGU interns, industry information, and additional job board suggestions by logging in to GGU4YOU.

WHAT IS CAREER CONSULTING?

 Career consultants work with you in a collaborative and confidential relationship so you can:

• Better identify your skills, interests, and values
• Make informed career choices
• Be valued and satisfied in the workplace 

Career consultants can meet with you to discuss:

• Setting career goals and action plans
• On-campus employment
• Career decision making
• Assessment of skills, values, interests, and personality preferences
• Developing your network
• Resume and cover letter writing
• LinkedIn profile development
• interviewing skills
• Job search strategies
• Job loss

 

Log into GGU Careers to set up an appointment with a Career Consultant. If you are a law student, please visit the Law School page.

JOB BOARDS

• GGU Careers: GGU students and alumni can access jobs and internships posted on GGU Careers, several of which are targeted for the GGU community.
• GGU4YOU: Current students also have access to a list of previous internship sites and local, national, and industry-specific job boards through the Career Planning page in GGU4YOU.
• Jobs at GGU: If you are looking to work on campus, perhaps as a student assistant, visit GGU's job board.

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FRAUDULENT JOBS

The university does not endorse or recommend employers, and a posting does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. The university explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about job listings or the accuracy of the information provided by the employer. The university is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or any other aspect of off-campus employment without limitation. It is the responsibility of students to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment and to thoroughly research the facts and reputation of each organization to which they are applying. Students should be prudent and use common sense and caution when applying for or accepting any position.

If you are at all suspicious about a job posting or job offer, do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss it. If a job seems too good to be true, the job is offered without an interview, or the job is different than advertised, or you are being asked for money or to use your bank account for transactions, these are all good reasons to be suspicious. 

Legitimate employers would NOT ask you to:

• Provide credit card or bank account numbers during the application or interview process (Note: once hired, a legitimate employer may ask for a voided check for direct deposit of your salary).
• Send payment by wire service or courier.
• Use your bank accounts - often for depositing checks or transferring money.
• Ask you to give them money to guarantee your job or for visa sponsorship. 

If you have been the victim of fraud and have provided your credit card or bank account information to an illegitimate employer, we urge you to:

• Contact your bank or credit card providers to check for and report unauthorized use of your accounts.
• Request and monitor your credit report.
• File a report with the FTC (a government agency for consumer protection).
• In the event of fraudulent activity, file a police report with your local police station.

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INTERNSHIPS

If you are interested getting an internship while enrolled at GGU read the Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Internship.   

An internship should:

• Apply classroom theories to real life situations
• Help you decide on a job function or career path
• Give you experience in a new job function or gain new skills
• Be directly related to your major and/or career goal
• Be supervised by someone in your field of study

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HOW DO I FIND AN INTERNSHIP?

• Log into GGU Careers for current internship opportunities 
• Consider creating your own internship by networking with employers
• View a list of employers who have hired GGU students as interns on GGU4YOU
• Make an appointment with a Career Consultant to discuss your internship search on GGU Careers

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HOW DO I REGISTER FOR AN INTERNSHIP?

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering for an Internship

NETWORKING EVENTS

The Office of Career Planning hosts a variety of events throughout the year with opportunities to network with the GGU community and employers which may include panels, informational sessions, networking events, and employer resume critiques. Visit GGU Careers for upcoming events.

Our signature events include:

Fall term:

Taxation & Accounting Career Fair

The Annual Taxation & Accounting Career Fair is held in September. Registration for the Taxation and Accounting Career Fair opens in mid-August via GGU Careers.

Inside Secrets of Getting a Job: A Recruiters Panel

A moderated panel discussion with recruiters or individuals who work closely with hiring candidates for positions within business - marketing, HR, project management, finance, business/data analytics. Panelists share current trends for the job search and advice about starting at a new job. This event also includes ample time to network with panelists and attendees. 

Spring term:

#RealTalk: How Alumni Got their Jobs!

A moderated panel discussion with GGU alumni who share what it took to get employed. Alumni reveal what resources and techniques worked best for them as well as what they would have done differently. This event also includes ample time to network with panelists and attendees. 

ELEVATE: Professional Development Event
Engage | Volunteer | Impact

An opportunity for the GGU Community to network with nonprofit organizations and discover skill-building opportunities through volunteerism, professional association membership, or by serving on the board of directors for an organization. A photographer will be available to take headshots for student's LinkedIn profiles as well. 

Eat & Greet Networking Lunch

Network with local Bay Area Industry Professionals over a FREE lunch. Participants will also get real-time feedback on their networking skills. See video highlights of this event. 

Summer term:

Mock Interview Event with HR Professionals

Practice your interview skills with an HR professional and get real-time feedback! Students can sign up in advance for a time slot and will be connected to valuable resources to prepare. 

NETWORKING AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Networking Ambassadors are currently enrolled students who are trained by the Office of Career Planning to encourage and help students in building their professional network. They do this by:

• Receiving in-depth training on various components of networking including -  discovering opportunities to network, engaging in conversations, following up after an event, expanding your online network. and etiquette  
• Promoting signature networking events  
• Interviewing a professional in their field and writing about the experience
• Teaching fellow classmates networking skills and encouraging them to network at events
• Modeling appropriate networking

The term is one academic year and applications for the program are accepted in the summer. 

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GGU'S LINKEDIN GROUP

Golden Gate University Group

GGU's official "members-only" group on the popular professional networking site, LinkedIn. By joining GGU's LinkedIn group, you can view a list of other group members and access tools that facilitate connecting with former or current GGU colleagues, classmates, and faculty. Please be sure to note your affiliation with GGU in your profile in order to join the group.

 

Tips and best practices to get you started with LinkedIn:

• JibberJobber Tutorials
• LinkedIn FAQs
• Guide to Using LinkedIn For Grads

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GGU ALUMNI EVENTS

Connect with your fellow alumni in person by attending one of the many Alumni events held throughout the Bay Area.

GGU Alumni Home

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Professional associations are groups of people who are looking to advance their field or industry. Professional associations can provide excellent training and networking opportunities for those who are involved. Many have student memberships available and offer local professional development events to members. Visit GGU4YOU for a list of industry-specific professional associations.

ONLINE RESOURCES FOR GGU STUDENTS & ALUMNI

GLASSDOOR

Current students can create a free Glassdoor student account using their ggu.edu email address. The student account will provide 12 months of unlimited access to all of Glassdoor's content including information about salaries, interview questions, and employer reviews. Just click on the Glassdoor icon to create your free account.

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WEBSHOPS

The Office of Career Planning course in eLearning provides access to online webshops on variety of career development topics.

Webshop Topics Include:

• Anatomy of a Resume
• Resume Accomplishment Statements
• Attending a Networking Event
• Expanding Your Professional Network
• Preparing for a Career Fair
• Elevator Pitches
• Creating a Cover Letter
• Getting LinkedIn
• Networking with LinkedIn
• Informational Interviewing
• Salary Negotiations

•  Log into GGU eLearning

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INTERSTRIDE

Career power tool for international students that provides real-time information on visa and immigration along with H1B and green card data visualization based on career opportunities around your area. Download the app on your smartphone. If you are a currently enrolled international student, you should have received an email with your login info. If you do not have this information, send your request to careers@ggu.edu.

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COMMUNITY CAREER RESOURCES

Additional resources for individuals needing career support outside of Golden Gate University.

Please note that some agencies may charge a fee. Visit their website or call the agency for more details.

 

San Francisco

• One Stop: Job seeker services
• Bay Area Career Center (fee-based)
• JVS
• SF Chamber of Commerce Job Forum: Job search group
• SF Public Library: Resources, workshops and career coaching

East Bay

• Wardrobe for opportunity: Serves low-income job seekers
• Unity Council: Career services in English and Spanish
• One Stop: Job seeker services
• East Bay Works: Network of job centers
• Career Advice by Marty Nemko

Silicon Valley

• San Jose One Stop: Job seeker services
• Nova Job Center
• San Jose Employment Center
• Youth@Work Employment Services
• CSix Connect: Job search resources and networking

Peninsula

• Nova Job Center
• San Mateo Public Library: Job center
• Youth@Work Employment Services

Sacramento

• Sacramento Works: Serves job seekers and employers
• Sacramento Public Library: One-on-one job coaching and job search guide

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HOW TO ORDER

1. Business, Accounting, and Taxation students can order your business cards by filling out this form.
2. A proof will be emailed to you for your approval. It is your responsibility to ensure that the information on the proof is correct.
3. Get a confirmation email from the Office of Career Planning within 2 business days. This confirmation email will contain payment information.
4. Pay for your business cards by filling out the credit card form or dropping off a check, payable to "GGU Office of Career Planning" at the GGU HUB desk. No cash will be accepted. If you do not pay for your business cards within 2 weeks, your application will be discarded.
5. You will get an email from the Office of Career Planning letting you know that your business cards are ready to pick up within 1-2 weeks of your receipt of your payment.

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STUDENT BUSINESS CARD POLICY

Currently enrolled degree seeking GGU students from the Schools of Business, Accounting and Taxation in good standing may purchase business cards with the University logo through the Office of Career Planning. Students must have earned 9 units in order to be eligible to apply for business cards.

Golden Gate University does not allow student business cards (with the University logo) to be made outside of this program. Please note that this program is for the benefit of all students and is a privilege that may be taken away if abused. Students are not required to purchase or use business cards with the GGU logo, and GGU is not responsible for the disclosure of student contact information included on such cards.

To comply with the University's guidelines, the Office of Career Planning requires each interested student to sign up and pre-pay for business cards during specified weeks of the fall and spring semesters. All orders for business cards must be made online during the set weeks of the program. All students must also agree that they will cease using these business cards if they discontinue their studies at GGU for any reason.

The business cards will contain the student's name and contact information (such as home phone number, cell phone number, and email address). All cards will also have the words Master of Business Administration Candidate or similar notation for other degree students.

Previously awarded advanced graduate degrees or certifications may be listed using initials after the students name (e.g., John Doe, PMP).

The Office of Career Planning reserves the right to disapprove business cards which include an unprofessional or inappropriate email address. The Office of Career Planning will notify any students whose cards have been disapproved and work with them to resolve concerns.

The Office of Career Planning will provide students with an electronic proof of the business card for verification that all the information on the business card is correct before the order will be placed.

Credit card or check payment must be made prior to the business card application deadline. Cash payments will not be accepted. If no payment has been received by the deadline, then the business card application will be considered abandoned and no cards will be printed. Checks should be made payable to GGU Office of Career Planning.