Jobs and Internships
Finding a job can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Successful job searching requires a proactive and organised approach. Use a combination of job boards, employer websites, networking, careers events, and direct applications to maximise your chances of success.
Consider treating your job search like a project:
- Set weekly goals
- Track applications and deadlines
- Follow up where appropriate
- Check emails regularly
- Take breaks from Job Hunting and be kind to yourself - it takes perseverence and resilience to job hunt effectively and finding a job often takes a fair amount longer than you expect!
A structured approach can help you stay focused, energised and motivated.
- Search Careers Connect, Gradireland, LinkedIn, Indeed, employer websites and sector-specific job boards for graduate jobs, internships, placements and summer opportunities.
- Explore our Summer Internship List and Graduate Programmes List to identify potential employers and apply for jobs.
- Follow organisations on LinkedIn and social media to stay informed about vacancies and recruitment activity.
- Contact organisations directly about internship, placement or work experience opportunities, even when no vacancies are advertised.
- Use your network, including lecturers, alumni and professional contacts, to access opportunities in the hidden jobs market.
- Attend careers fairs and employer events to build connections and hear about opportunities early.
- Set up job alerts to help you stay on top of new opportunities.
Internships and work experience can help you explore career options, build workplace skills, strengthen your CV and gain valuable experience for applications and interviews. Some internships can lead directly to graduate roles.
Start your search early. Many employers recruit for summer internships from October onwards. Regularly check Careers Connect, Gradireland, employer websites, and our Summer Internship List.
It is also worth identifying organisations that interest you and approaching them directly about internship, placement or work experience opportunities, even when no vacancy is advertised.
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be useful for researching employers, exploring career options, identifying skills required in different roles, and preparing for interviews. However, AI should be used responsibly and as a support tool rather than a substitute for your own knowledge and judgement. It is a good idea to avoid overreliance on AI when creating CVs and job applications.
When using AI:
- Use it to research industries, employers, and job market trends.
- After you have reviewed a job description thoroughly yourself, AI may help you further identify skills and understand employer requirements you may have missed.
- Use it to help prepare for interviews by researching organisations.
- Verify any information provided by AI, particularly details about employers, careers, or recruitment processes.
- Ensure that all information you present to employers accurately reflects your own skills, experience, and achievements.
- Be prepared to discuss and expand on everything included in your applications and interviews.
Not all vacancies are advertised publicly. Many opportunities are filled through direct applications, and professional contacts. Developing your network and engaging with employers can help you access these opportunities.
Build Your Network
Start where you are, your early network includes the people you already know - family, friends, classmates, colleagues, lecturers! Careers fairs, employer presentations, conferences, and industry events are all useful ways to expand your connections.
Use LinkedIn to showcase your skills, build professional connections, follow employers, search for vacancies, and connect with TU Dublin alumni working in areas that interest you.
Information Interviews
Speaking with professionals can help you learn more about careers, industries, and organisations while also expanding your professional network.
Speculative Applications
Many organisations consider applications from candidates even when vacancies are not advertised. Research organisations thoroughly, identify the appropriate contact person, and present your skills and interest professionally.
Traditional employment is not the only career option. Some graduates choose to work for themselves, build a freelance career or start their own business.
Freelancing and Self-Employment
Freelancing can be a great way to gain experience, build a portfolio and develop professional skills. It is particularly common in areas such as media, design, technology, marketing and consulting though it can take time to become established and considerable initiative.
A strong network, online presence and portfolio can help you attract clients and create opportunities.
Starting Your Own Business
If you have a business idea, product or service you would like to develop, entrepreneurship may be worth exploring. Starting a business can help you develop valuable skills while creating your own opportunities.
TU Dublin offers a range of supports, programmes and resources for students and graduates interested in entrepreneurship and innovation,including:
- TU Dublin Enterprise Academy
- TU Dublin Research & Innovation: Innovation
Employers value the skills and experiences you develop through study, work, volunteering, placements, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Employers also value applicants that demonstrate self awareness. Take time to identify and articulate your strengths when applying for opportunities.
These transferable skills can be significant strengths during the recruitment process.Our self-assessment tools available free to all TU Dublin students can really help with building self awareness: Discover Your Strengths (Profiling for Success)
If you are a mature student, remember that you often bring extra valuable experience, communication skills, resilience, adaptability, and professional insight.
Professional development does not stop at graduation. Online learning, volunteering, professional memberships, industry events, and work experience can all help you build new skills and remain competitive in the job market. It can also be helpful to engage in these activites whilst job hunting both to keep skills current and to showcase a positive, proactive attitude to prospective employers.
can support you with every stage of your job search, from identifying opportunities and planning your strategy to applications and interview preparation. Make sure to attend some Career Workshops during your degree and if you feel you need it, Book an appointment with career coach.