Career Advice for Master’s Students
Welcome to Penn Career Services! We serve the majority of Penn master’s programs, but not all. Specialized career offices exist for Wharton MBAs, Penn Engineering Masters, Penn Dental, Penn Vet, and Penn Carey Law (LLMs). Master’s students in online programs are served directly by their programs and can find more guidance here.
Make sure you have activated your Handshake account by logging in here with your PennKey/password. Handshake is where you can register for Career Services programs and search job/internship listings.
10 ways to use Career Services as a Master’s student
Follow these 10 easy steps to make the most of the career resources at Penn to support your professional and career development. And make sure to view the job search advice below to prepare yourself for career exploration, job/internship applications, and the interviewing and negotiation process.
Beyond Graduate School and more graduate school
Beyond Graduate School is your one-stop, online, job search platform specifically designed for Master’s students to get the best return on investment for your degree. Sign-in today to leverage this platform. Applying to another graduate degree? Connect with our Pre-Grad Advising Team to learn more.
Here is the practical advice you need as a Master’s student looking for your next job or internship!
Career Exploration & Networking
Master’s students at Penn want to connect their interests, skills, and values with concrete roles, industries, and organizations. This page walks you through practical ways to explore options using tools like CareerExplorer and Post‑Graduate Outcomes, and then test your ideas through networking and informational interviews. You’ll find guidance on finding and contacting alumni and other professionals, preparing for conversations, and following up effectively.
Applying for Internships/Jobs
Master’s students at Penn often wonder how to create strong resumes, cover letters, and application materials for internships and jobs. This page walks you through key steps to get ready to apply, from understanding employer needs to highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences. You’ll find guidance on resumes, cover letters, ATS‑friendly formatting, and using AI tools wisely, plus links to advising, videos, and other Penn Career Services resources to support your search.
Interviewing & Negotiating
Master’s students at Penn regularly ask how to prepare for interviews and how to negotiate offers for internships and full‑time jobs. This page walks you through core strategies for researching employers, practicing STAR stories, making a strong impression in different interview formats, and asking thoughtful questions. You’ll find guidance on when and how to negotiate, which parts of an offer may be flexible, and how to use Penn Career Services guides, tools, and advising to plan your approach with confidence.
