Timeline

Preparation Timing

Each industry times its recruitment differently. We have identified three main types of timeframes that characterize the various recruitment cycles: Accelerated, Standard, and Just-in-Time. An Accelerated recruitment cycle involves heavy recruitment activity (including interviews) in September and October, via national diversity career conferences, so preparation during the summer is vital. The Standard timeline is used by employers to recruit a pipeline of MBA students in the conventional cycle of September informational presentations, early October full-time interviews, November/December internship applications, and January/February internship interviews. Just-in-time hiring is more ad hoc in nature, with recruitment beginning 30 to 90 days from the desired start-date. This applies to internships and full-time positions, and is most common from February through May. It is important to understand the recruitment timeframe associated with each industry so you can plan your job search preparation accordingly.

Technology recruitment can occur over all three different timelines. Large firms will typically recruit over an Accelerated or Standard timeline, while smaller companies will recruit for Just-in-Time positions.

Undergraduate Timeline

Seniors

Be mindful of hiring timelines
Evaluate full time offers carefully (and discuss negotiating with Career Services) before accepting

Juniors

Update your career action plan with your career advisor
Familiarize yourself with industry publications and websites to further prepare for the internship search
Practice interviewing skills by doing a mock interviews
Apply to internships, research opportunities, or post grad fellowships that interest you
Evaluate offers (may discuss with Career Services) and carefully consider before accepting

Sophomores

Explore skillsets, interests, and values through career assessments
Create your career plan with a career advisor
Conduct informational interviews to learn about different career paths
Apply to internships, research opportunities, and study abroad experiences that interest you
Attend info sessions, career-related panels & career fairs explore and network

Freshmen

Develop relationships with TAs, professors, and upperclassmen
Meet with a career advisor
Sign up for career communities and newsletters
Create and update a resume
Log into and explore Handshake and Hoya Gateway

Specialty Master's Programs Timeline

June through August

Participate in webinars
Develop a nuanced understanding of viable career paths
Develop TMAY (Tell Me About Yourself)
Develop a industry specific resume, Linkedin Profile, and networking plan

September through October

Watch alum panels and employer presentations
Participate in Club Lunch & Learns
Go to Career Days and Career Treks
Prepare with technical interviews by meeting with peer advisors and career coaches
Learn about the On-Campus Recruiting (OCR) process