Student Resources
Welcome to the Student Resources page. Wherever you are in your journey, whether it be getting through high school, researching colleges or trade schools, or jumping head first into your career, we aim to ensure that you have all the tools required to achieve success.
Resume building can vary based on experience and the type of job you are applying for. As a young professional, you might have limited job experience, but you can highlight the roles or accomplishments that you have served within clubs or volunteer experiences.
Resume Build
- Work experience
- Skills/Certifications
- Leadership positions
- Awards received
- Volunteer experiences
- Ask someone to edit your resume to find any and all errors
Note: Internationally, it is normal to include a picture of yourself; however, in the United States it is not common to add a picture. Including a picture might hurt your chances of success.
Resume Tips
- Keep your resume short and to the point
- Use strong action verbs to make your resume more dynamic
- Highlight relevant skills and experiences by tailoring your resume to mirror the job description that you are applying to
- Show results using metrics, e.g. “Reduced drive-thru times by 20%”
- Create social media profiles for your professional interests/work experience and link them in your resume
- Ask someone to edit your resume to find any and all errors
- Remember that many job applications go through an AI filter process. Many resume builders give you the option to "Add accessibility tags" so it makes sense for screen readers. To test how your resume reads to AI filters, "Save as" a .txt file and check to see if it makes sense.
Resume Format
Try resumebuild.com to begin creating your professional resume. Start by choosing a template and then enter all of your information. Make sure to stay concise and communicate your strengths.When applying for a job or internship, the key is to apply! Even if you don’t meet all of the requirements, you likely have many transferable skills that you can apply in a new job or internship. Make sure to edit your resume to show the recruiter or committee how those skills transfer for each job or internship that you apply to.
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Job Search Engines
Using search engines such as Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and the Texas Workforce Commission allow users to search for jobs by title and/or location. Upload your resume and provide personal information in your account to have specific jobs that you might be interested in recommended to you as they become available. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a great place to build your professional portfolio, make connections with others in your field, and grab the attention of potential employers and internship opportunities.
Tip: Try searching the "feed" side of LinkedIn for recruiters who are posting about a job opening. Often times, recruiters will post jobs on the "feed" rather than the job board.School’s Network and Alumni
Most universities and colleges have a portal of postings from alumni looking for interns and employees. Visit your school’s website or contact your advisor to learn more.Chegg Internships
Chegg has developed internships.com that operates similar to job search engines like Indeed. Simply, search by a keyword and location to discover internship opportunities that may apply to you.
Military Enlistment Steps/Requirements
Joining the military is an honorable decision for men and women for a variety of reasons. To join the military you will need to
- Be a US citizen
- If you are a permanent resident (i.e. green card holders), you must be fluent in English in all domains and currently live in the United States
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- A GED will typically require earning additional college credits or scoring well on the military entrance exam
- Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
- Study materials can be found on the ASVAB site.
- More information available on the TEA ASVAB website.
- Pass the military entrance medical exam
- This includes a physical exam, hearing test, vision test, and height and weight measurements
Note: For students who certain they want to join the military, programs such as the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) will allow students to start the process of enlistment while they are still in high school. The official enlistment date will not begin until after graduation.
Questions to ask when choosing a military branch
- What ASVAB scores are needed?
- How long is the enlistment period?
- Are there any special enlistment programs or signing bonuses?
- What types of jobs specialties are available?
- How much money for college can you earn based on the programs under which you enlist?
- What are the travel opportunities available?
- What is the promotion rate based on the type of job specialty?
For more questions, review the Military.com article, “Play 20 Questions with the Recruiter”.
Other options for joining the military
If you are interested in serving your country in other ways, consider:
- Joining an ROTC program within a university and becoming an officer after graduation
- Joining the National Reserves for part-time military training and experience.
- Joining the Texas Military Department.
Click on the emblem below to be taken to the recruitment office of that branch of service.
For students with special needs, planning for life after high school can be daunting. However, there are programs that will assist with housing and work programs to help students gain more independence.
- Navigate Life Texas
Website designed to assist families of students with special needs including the transition to adulthood. This site includes guidance on how to find housing and careers for young adults with disabilities. -
Supplemental Social Security Income
Financial assistance to help meet the basic needs of children who have a physical or mental disability or who are blind. - Texas Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation
List of providers that assist adults with mental and physical disabilities or who are blind gain skills and employment. You can also search for supportive services like assistive technology, interpreters, vehicle modification, etc.
Texas Health and Human Services
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Intermediate Care Facility (ICF)
Search for communities (small or large) where there are staff 24 hours a day to help manage medicines, dressing, cooking, etc. -
Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Group Home
Search for a group home if an adult with special needs is able to live alone or in a group home and does not need 24 hours a day support. -
Employment Opportunities
List of employers that value and actively participate in hiring people with disabilities and contact information to learn about the programs offered.