Career Development Internal Information

• Many employers will start recruiting for 2026 internships during the fall of 2025, so if you are a sophomore+ in the fall, consider this event.
• If you are a December 2025 or May 2026 graduate, employers start recruiting for full-time roles in fall 2025. 

• BGHN Associates, P.C.
• CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
• Denman CPA LLP
• Eide Bailly LLP
• Forge Financial and Management Consulting
• Forvis Mazars
• Hogan-Hansen P.C.
• Honkamp, P.C.
• MHCS
• Myers and Stauffer
• Office of the Auditor of State, Iowa
• RSM US LLP
• UHY LLP

Simpson College Career Development is excited to launch a Career Closet to support students in preparing for job interviews and professional networking opportunities. We are asking for donations now through September. We are seeking gently used professional clothing donations (no holes, stains, or excessive wear, please).

Donations can be dropped off at the Career Development office (2nd floor of Kent Campus Center, Student Development) on Wednesdays (8 AM to 4 PM) and Fridays (8 AM to 11:30 AM), or a pickup time can be arranged by emailing the Director of Career Development at kelsey.bolton@simpson.edu.

Every item donated will help our students feel confident and prepared for professional opportunities. During the fall semester, our students will be able to “shop” from the collection at no cost and keep the clothing they select. If we have leftover clothing, it won’t go to waste. We are planning spring career-related events, too!

💳 Prefer to help in another way? Simpson College Career Development is also accepting monetary or gift card donations (from places that sell professional clothing). These can be dropped off or mailed- please include your name and address.

Thank you for your help in breaking down barriers and setting our students up for success!

Students-be on the lookout for shopping dates in the fall semester!

🎉 You’re Invited to the BIGGEST Internship & Career Fair of the Year! 🎉 Hosted by Simpson College’s Career Development Office

This year, employers were buzzing with one question:

“How can we meet Simpson students to promote our internship and job opportunities?”

So, we decided to answer that with ONE BIG EVENT.

📅 When: Wednesday, October 1st
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
📍 Where: Kent Campus Center – 1st & 2nd Floors

Get ready for a day full of employers from across the area– all eager to meet you and talk about what’s next in your career journey.

Whether you’re:
✅ Looking for an internship for your major
✅ Exploring your post-grad career path
✅ Wanting to gain professional experience
✅ Just curious about who’s hiring in Central Iowa

This fair is for YOU.

📝 Get Prepped!
Career Development will be tabling in Kent Campus Center leading up to the fair to help you:

• Polish your resume
• Improve your Handshake & LinkedIn profiles
• Answer any questions you have about the fair!

 📲 Check our social media for tabling times and updates, as well as for other prep events.

💼 Dress to impress! Business casual recommended. Simpson College will be hosting a pop-up career closet leading up to the event, in which students can “shop” professional items for free and keep what they shop. Need tips? Click here for a gender-neutral guide.

Be sure to frequently check the event on Handshake to see which employers have registered. Students should register too, so employers know how much swag to bring to their table!

Don’t miss this chance to make connections, find opportunities, and take your future to the next level.

💥 Mark your calendar. Bring your resume. Come ready to shine.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to apply for a job, internship, or grad school, the Career Development team is here to support you. All appointments can be scheduled easily through Handshake!

💬 Types of Appointments We Offer:

🔍 Majors & Career Exploration
Not sure what to study or where your interests might lead? Let’s talk through your strengths, values, and goals.

📄 Resume, Cover Letter, or CV Help
Whether you’re starting from scratch or want a review or a second opinion, we’ll help you build strong application materials.

💼 Internship or Job Search
Let’s explore Handshake, LinkedIn, and other tools to find the right opportunity for you.

🕒 Quick Internship or Career Questions (15 minutes)
Have a question or need feedback on something specific? Book a quick session!

🎓 Graduate School Planning
We’ll help you research programs, create a timeline, and strengthen your personal statement or CV.

🤝 Mock Interview
Practice answering interview questions in a low-pressure environment—and get helpful feedback.

🌐 LinkedIn & Social Media Review
Make sure your online presence is polished and professional. We’ll help you build a standout LinkedIn profile.

🗣️ General Career Questions (30 minutes)
Not sure which appointment type to choose? This flexible option covers a variety of career-related topics.

🖱️ How to Book:

1. Log into Handshake using your Simpson credentials.

2. Select your appointment type and choose a time that works for you.

3. We offer in-person and virtual appointments, as well as email reviews for resumes, cover letters, CVs, grad school materials, and profiles.

Questions? Email us at careers@simpson.edu and we’ll be happy to help.

Use Handshake to review resources in the following areas:

• Major/Career Exploration Resources
• Cover Letter Manual
• Resume & References Manual
• Interviewing Manuals
• Graduate School Application Guides
• Federal Resume Template & Guide
• Internship & Job Application Tracker
• Guide to Business Attire

At Simpson College, you have access to 80+ majors, minors, and pre-professional programs—which means plenty of exciting paths to explore. But with so many options, narrowing things down can feel overwhelming.

Start simple:
Begin by reflecting on your academic strengths, interests, and values. Try to narrow your list to 3–5 programs that genuinely excite you—then take a deeper dive into each one.

As you explore, ask yourself:

• What excites me about this major or minor?

• Are there parts I’m unsure about or don’t enjoy?

• What are the course requirements and expectations?

• How does this align with my career goals?

• What kinds of careers do students from this program pursue?

To get the answers, check out each program’s webpage. From there, go beyond the website—talk to professors, current students, and alumni to get the real story. What you discover might surprise (and inspire) you!

Ever wondered where a major could take you? This site features 106+ major profiles with info on career paths, top employers, and strategies to break into the field. Plus, you’ll find links to professional associations, job outlook data, and helpful job search tools.

Want the inside scoop on real jobs? Watch short video interviews with professionals in a variety of careers and industries. Hear their stories, get advice, and learn what a “day in the life” really looks like.

My Next Move

Not sure where to start? Search careers by keyword or industry—or take a quick, free assessment to discover jobs that match your interests and personality.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Explore this in-depth guide from the U.S. Department of Labor to get facts on hundreds of careers, including salary ranges, growth trends, and education requirements.

O*Net

Another great research tool packed with detailed information about thousands of careers—perfect for comparing jobs and discovering new opportunities.

Truity

Take free personality and interest assessments to better understand your natural strengths and how they connect with potential majors and careers. A great starting point if you’re feeling stuck!

Not sure what career path is right for you? Enroll in COOP 119: Career Observation, a four-credit May Term course designed to help you discover your strengths, explore career options, and gain real-world insight through hands-on experiences.

In this class, you’ll complete personality and strengths assessments, research career fields, connect with employers, and even participate in job shadowing to see potential careers in action. You’ll also build a professional resume, get introduced to cover letter writing, and set personalized goals to guide the rest of your college journey.

By the end of the course, you’ll walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of your interests and strengths

• Clarity around career options that fit you

• Real-world exposure to a field you want to explore

• A polished resume and resources for future job searches

• Actionable goals for your academic and professional future

COOP 119 is a great first step for students who are early in their career planning or unsure where to start. Talk to your academic advisor to register and start exploring your future with purpose!

Exploring majors and careers doesn’t have to be something you figure out alone.

Schedule a one-on-one career coaching appointment on Handshake to chat with a staff member who’s here to support you—whether you need help narrowing your options, interpreting assessment results, or just figuring out where to start.

And don’t forget: your faculty advisor is a key partner in this journey. They can help you map out four-year plans, understand major requirements, and talk through how your academic path connects with your career goals.

✨ Two great resources. One big decision. Let’s figure it out—together.

Looking for an internship? You’ve got powerful tools at your fingertips—and we’re here to help you use them!

🚀 Start with Handshake
It’s your go-to platform for finding internships! With over 750,000 employers using Handshake to post jobs and internships, you’ll find opportunities across the country.

💼 Level Up with LinkedIn
LinkedIn is more than a job board—it’s a networking powerhouse. Search internships, connect with alumni, and grow your professional brand. Not sure where to start? Visit Career Development for help creating or enhancing your LinkedIn profile.

🤝 Let’s Find the Right Fit—Together
The Career Development team is ready to meet with you one-on-one! We’ll walk you through:

• How to use search tools effectively

• Industry-specific search tools tailored to your field

• Insider tips to stand out in your search

Book an appointment on Handshake and let’s get started. Your future is waiting!

Internships are a valuable way to build real-world skills and boost your resume—whether you earn academic credit or not. In fact, over 70% of Simpson graduates engage in an internship or work experience while at Simpson. But if you do want credit, here’s what you need to know.

✅ Step 1: Talk to Your Faculty Advisor

Before anything else, have a conversation with your advisor! They’ll help you:

• Figure out where an internship fits into your academic timeline

• Discuss opportunities that would be approved by their academic department for credit

🔍 Step 2: Land That Internship

Career Development is your go-to team for support as you search and apply. We’ll help you:

• Explore internship options that align with your goals

• Polish your resume and cover letter

• Practice with a mock interview to boost your confidence

👩‍🏫 Step 3: Secure a Faculty Supervisor

Once you’ve accepted an internship:

• Ask a faculty member in a related department to supervise your academic credit, or learn who the designated supervisor is

• Register for credit before your internship begins

• Plan your credits wisely—1 credit = 30 hours on-site + 5 hours of academic work.

  • All internship hours must occur during the start and end dates of the registered term and cannot be logged until you are officially registered

• Keep your total credits under 18 in a semester to avoid extra tuition costs

• You can earn up to 16 internship credits before graduation—so use them strategically!

📝 Step 4: Complete the Internship Credit Registration Form

You’re almost there!

• Regsitering for internship credit is different than registering for other classes at Simpson. Click the “Internship Credit Registration Form” link on the right of this page to get started

• Once completed, the form will be sent to your chosen faculty supervisor for approval. Once the faculty approves of the internship, it will go to the registrar’s office.

• Career Development strongly encourages students to meet with them before completion of the form to learn about internship logistics, hour requirements, and how to accurately complete the form. Schedule a 15-minute appointment here.

Planning to intern soon? Start strong by enrolling in Simpson’s Internship Preparation Course at least a semester before your internship.

🧭 Why Take This Course?

Internships don’t just happen—you need to prepare. Same goes for full-time employment after graduation. This course allows preparation for both! This 1-credit course, taught by the Career Development team, is offered three times a year (T1, T2, & T3) and helps you:
✅ Discover internship options that align with your career goals
✅ Create a polished resume, cover letter, and reference sheet
✅ Practice and perfect your interview skills
✅ Understand the process for registering your internship for credit
✅ Learn what’s expected of you in a professional workplace

💡 Take this course at least one semester before you plan to intern—so you’re not scrambling at the last minute!

📚 Course Details:

• Who should take it?

  • Sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic standing

  • Required for your first credit-bearing internship in Health & Exercise Science and Sport Administration

  • Highly recommended for Health Services Leadership majors before their senior capstone

  • Open to ALL majors—because every student deserves a great internship!

• What’s the schedule look like? 

  • One class per week for only 8 weeks

  • Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 PM

✨ What You’ll Walk Away With:

• A tailored resume, cover letter, and reference sheet

• Interview experience that boosts confidence

• A clear understanding of how to secure and succeed in your internship

• Resources for future job and internship searches

• Extra credit and extra confidence 💼

📅 Ready to Register?

Talk to your academic advisor about enrolling in COOP 219: Internship Preparation. Don’t wait until the last minute—prepare now and impress later!

Got questions? Reach out to careers@simpson.edu—we’re here to help you launch your next big step.

Thanks to the generosity of Friends of Simpson College, you may be eligible to receive wage assistance for unpaid internships with nonprofits or start-ups. If selected, you’ll earn $12/hour (pre-tax) through Simpson’s payroll, for up to 120 hours of work. That’s up to $1,440 to support you as you gain valuable, hands-on experience!

💡 Why Apply?

Internships help launch careers—but not every opportunity comes with a paycheck. Simpson College is committed to making sure financial barriers don’t stand in your way. With wage assistance, you can grow professionally and get compensated for your time and talent.

📅 When Is It Available?

You can apply for wage assistance during:

• Fall Semester (August–December)

• Spring Semester (January–April)

• Summer Term (May–August)

• Start and end dates follow the academic calendar.

✅ Who’s Eligible?

To qualify, you must:

• Have an unpaid internship with a off-campus nonprofit or start-up business

  • Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search Tool to confirm nonprofit status

• Intern at least 60 hours total

📌 Preference is given to juniors and seniors with financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Assistance.

📋 What’s Required If You’re Selected?

If awarded wage assistance, you’ll:

• Complete a learning plan at the beginning of your internship, outlining your learning goals and tasks to achieve those goals

• Submit biweekly timecards (no more than 40 hours/week) using Simpson’s timecard system on SC Connect.

• Participate in a midterm and final evaluation process, measuring career readiness skills

• Meet with Career Development during the semester you are funded

• Share your internship experience on Career Development’s social media pages

You’ll also receive a full breakdown of the expectations via email before confirming your award.

📝 How to Apply

• Click the “Internship Wage Assistance” link on the right side of this page

• Make sure to complete all application questions thoughtfully—this is a competitive process and funding isn’t guaranteed.

• Application deadlines and notification dates are listed below:

💬 Questions? Contact Career Development at careers@simpson.edu

Don’t let an unpaid internship hold you back—get the experience and the support you deserve!

Looking for your first job after college? You’ve got powerful tools at your fingertips—and Career Development is here to help you use them with confidence!

💼 Jumpstart Your Search with Handshake
Handshake isn’t just for internships—it’s one of the top platforms for entry-level job seekers. With over 750,000 employers hiring across the U.S., you’ll find full-time opportunities in every industry.

🌐 Stand Out on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is your digital resume, job board, and networking hub all in one. Use it to:

• Search for full-time roles

• Connect with Simpson alumni

• Build a professional presence employers notice

Need help getting started? Visit Career Development for one-on-one guidance to create or polish your profile.

🤝 We’re in This with You
Let’s find the right fit—together. Book a coaching appointment on Handshake to learn:
✔️ How to search smarter, not harder
✔️ The best job boards for your field
✔️ Top strategies to stand out

We’re here to help you go from searching to succeeding. Let’s find the path that fits your future!