Resources for Students

Career planning begins with self-reflection. Whether you’re just getting started or reevaluating your goals, taking time to consider your values, interests, and strengths can help you make more confident decisions about your major, internships, and long-term direction. This is the first step in identifying meaningful opportunities and making choices that align with who you are.

Start with:

• Focus2 Self-Assessment – Explore how your skills, values, and interests connect to potential career paths. Yes, paths plural! Humans aren’t linear and neither are career paths. (If you are creating a new Focus2 profile, use the access code: tarheels)
• What Can I Do With This Major? – Learn how your major (or potential major) can lead to a variety of job opportunities and industries, and how your academic passions might translate to different career paths.
• Career Readiness Workshops – Find and register for career education sessions on a wide range of topics that help you explore your many options, some of which you may never have thought of!
• Handshake – Browse job descriptions, career events, and employer info sessions to explore career fields and industries.
• Career Courses (EDUC 211 & EDUC 311 Spring ’26) – 1-credit classes that support career planning and exploration through structured reflection and guided activities.

After you’ve done some exploration on your own, working with a career coach can help you clarify your next steps and build confidence in your decisions. Career coaching gives you space to ask questions, get feedback, and navigate challenges—from writing your first resume to evaluating job offers or applying to grad school.

Start with:

• Make a Career Coaching Appointment – Get individualized guidance based on your needs and goals

When it comes to finding a job or internship, having a plan makes all the difference. Whether you’re applying for a campus job, a summer internship, or a full-time position, we’ll help you approach your search strategically. It’s never too early—or too late—to start building experience that supports your future goals.

Start with:

• Handshake – UNC’s central platform for job postings, internships, and career events.
• Career Fairs – Connect with employers and explore roles across a wide range of industries.
• Styled for Success – Apply for a grant to purchase professional attire to help you feel prepared and confident at interviews, fairs, and events.
• Marcia Harris Travel Grant – Request funding for career-related travel like interviews or conferences.
• Forage & Parker Dewey – Participate in short-term projects or simulations to build skills and test out different fields
• Public Service & The Arts Micro-Internship Program – This program provides Carolina students with service learning opportunities with N.C. nonprofit organizations.
• Peace Corps – The Peace Corps is a government organization that sends volunteers to interested countries to promote world peace and friendship through community partnerships, service, and cultural exchange

Interviews can feel intimidating, but the right preparation makes all the difference. Whether you’re getting ready for a job, internship, or grad school interview, knowing what to expect and how to present yourself effectively will help you feel more confident and prepared. Interviewing is a skill—and it’s one you can learn.

Start with:

• Big Interview – We provide this free training system that lets you practice answering common interview questions through a video-based platform.
• Interview Skills Workshops – Explore our Events Calendar for these lively workshops that give you live, practical advice and answers to your questions in real time.
• Career Coaching Appointment – Schedule a mock interview or get personalized feedback on your approach.

The UNC Career Center partners with UNC donors and the Office of Scholarships & Student Aid to provide funding support to students participating in professional development experiences such as internships, professional conferences, networking events and more.

STYLED FOR SUCCESS – Outfit Your Ambitions!

Styled for Success provides reimbursement funds to juniors, seniors, and graduate students who have a FAFSA on file, receive need-based financial aid, and are actively engaged in professional opportunities (current internship, job, interview, or conference). Students can expect to receive reimbursements between $300-700.

NOTE: McNair and Covenant Scholars must attach a signed letter on UNC letterhead from the program manager for their application to be considered.  

To qualify for the stipend, please complete the following steps:

1. Compile a list of clothing you wish to be reimbursed for complete with cost and taxes. 
2. Complete the Styled for Success application .

MARCIA HARRIS UNC CAREER CENTER TRAVEL FUND

The Marcia Harris UNC Career Services Travel Fund was established in honor of Marcia Berger Harris, who served as director of Carolina’s University Career Services from 1982-2009. During her tenure, she mentored thousands of students over her tenure at the University and was a passionate and tireless advocate for student career readiness. UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students in all majors can apply for a travel stipend. The stipend can be used to travel domestically to interviews for full-time or internship opportunities, or informal interviews or conferences with specific networking opportunities. Allowable expenses include, but are not limited to, airfare and lodging to and from Chapel Hill or to or from the recipient’s U.S. home. Applications will open SPRING 2026.

There are other UNC departments that offer funding as well. 

• Embark Carolina offers funding for those seeking access to global experiences
• Honors Carolina Fellowship helps students who want to conduct research in Chapel Hill or create their own unique learning experience and travel the world.
• Carolina Covenant Professional Development Grant and International Student’s office within the Office of Scholarships & Student Aid offer support.