The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After a initial review of its policies and practices, the university confirms that it meets all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.
Top 5 ways Mason graduates got their jobs
Ever wondered how George Mason grads get their jobs? Every year, we conduct the Career Plans Survey for the graduating class, and here's what they told us:
- Internships turned into a permanent position
- Job sites (Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, Idealist, etc.)
- Relationships (friends, family, co-workers, alums, word-of-mouth)
- Company or organization's website
- Networking events (career fair, workshop, employer event, club or organization event)
Start with Handshake
If you're searching for a job or internship now, we recommend starting with Handshake! Handshake is Mason's job search site, where you can find on-campus, part-time, work-study, internships, and full-time jobs related to your major, interests, and skills. Log in with your Mason credentials and get started by completing your profile.
Note: If you experience issues logging into Handshake, call 703-993-2370 or email us at careers@gmu.edu
Apply for positions with upcoming interviews
Local employers come to George Mason's Fairfax campus to interview students for a range of opportunities, and you can apply for them directly in Handshake. Interview dates are pre-scheduled, and you can sign up immediately, or you'll be notified soon after applying if you're selected. You save time and money by having the interview in a location convenient to you, and employers who interview on campus love hiring Mason students and alums!
How to find On-Campus Interviews in Handshake:
- Log in to Handshake
- Go to "Jobs"
- Select “All filters”
- Under “Job Type” select “Interviewing on Campus” to view schedules
- Submit your application!
Global job search
If you're considering working abroad or are an international student, you can get resources and advice on job-searching outside the U.S. from Interstride!
- Log into Interstride with your Mason credentials
- Select the "Jobs" tab
- Select the "Country Insights" tab
- Search for and select a specific country
Streamline your job search with AI
Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT can streamline your job search if you know how to use them effectively. Here are a few prompts to get you started:
- Give advice to a college student seeking their first internship.
- What are the best job search strategies for a graduate student pivoting their career from a [job X] to [job Y]?
- Generate a 2,000-character LinkedIn Profile Summary to position me for [job title] given my background [paste resume].
- Generate a list of [organization/industry] firms in [location].
Using specific questions and prompts will help you get the most relevant results from GenAI, but it's your responsibility to check for accuracy and personalize GenAI-assisted application materials to truthfully reflect your qualifications and experiences.
Note: Never include personal information such as your name, email/physical address, phone number, or Social Security Number in your questions or prompts.
Download additional sample career-related prompts (pdf)
Take a Career Prep Course
Earn credits while using your class time to learn how to write and refine your resume, search for opportunities, and have career conversations. In our UNIV Career Prep courses, you'll get in-depth guidance directly from employers and career advisors and dedicated time to work on your career goals.
More ways to find jobs and internships
Finding career opportunities can be intimidating, but your efforts will pay off, especially if you try more than one way to search. Here are some more ideas:
- Create your own Career Advisory Board (pdf)
- Join student organizations related to your career field
- Talk to your professors about your goals, and ask them about job or internship opportunities
- Connect with Mason alums who share your career interests and have a career conversation (docx) with them
- Use job search sites specific to your career field
- Attend career fairs and employer events where you can meet multiple representatives
Beware of job scams
When you're job searching, you're particularly vulnerable, so it can be easy to miss some of the warning signs of a job scam. We have some resources here to help you recognize and avoid potential threats.