Landing internships, building connections, and preparing for life after graduation can feel overwhelming, but at AU School of Communication (SOC), you have tools designed to make that process easier. From strengthening your online presence to tapping into AU's alumni network, career readiness is integrated into your experience here. Here's how to take advantage of the resources available to you from across campus and start building your professional foundation now.

Build Your Brand
Before you land the job, you have to build the brand. Career readiness starts with shaping a polished, professional online presence that reflects who you are and what you bring to the table.

Using platforms like LinkedIn alongside visual tools such as infographic resumes and online portfolios allows you to present your experience in a way that's both strategic and visually compelling. When done effectively, your online presence can help you connect with industry professionals, demonstrate your expertise, and ensure employers are seeing your most current accomplishments.

Think of your digital footprint as your first introduction, so make it count.

Pro tip: SOC faculty host periodic workshops on how to build your brand; keep an eye out for upcoming events!

Level Up Your LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional networking site, and one of the most powerful tools you can use as a student.

A strong LinkedIn profile allows you to:

• Build and manage your professional presence
• Connect with classmates, faculty, alumni, and colleagues
• Discover internship and job opportunities
• Maintain and grow your professional network

A polished profile can genuinely set you apart in the job market. Add a professional headshot, write a thoughtful summary, highlight your coursework and campus leadership, and keep your experience updated. When employers click on your name, your profile should speak for itself.

Pro tip: The Career Center offers advice and workshops on improving your LinkedIn profile. Reach out to SOC Career Advisor Christina Sincere for more information

Perfect Your Writing Samples
Whether you’re applying for an internship, full-time job, or graduate program, you may be asked to submit a writing sample.

Writing samples aren't just attachments; they're proof of your ability to communicate clearly, think critically, and craft a compelling message. Choose pieces that reflect your strongest work, align with the position you're applying for, and demonstrate versatility.

Pro tip: Keep a folder of polished, ready-to-send pieces so you're never scrambling before a deadline.

Tap Into the AU Alumni Network

Looking for insider advice, informational interviews, or resume feedback? Meet AlumniFire.

AlumniFire connects you directly with AU alumni who want to help students and recent grads navigate real-world opportunities. From mentorship and career advice to job leads and local connections, the platform is full of Eagles ready to open doors.

You can even see job postings at companies where fellow alumni work making networking feel far less intimidating. Bonus: you can sign up using your LinkedIn or Facebook account, so there's no extra password to remember.

Pro tip: Alumni also regularly come to campus as guest speakers. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and make a face to face connection.

Show Up at the Spring Job & Internship Fair
Mark your calendar: American University Career Center is hosting AU's Spring 2026 Job & Internship Fair on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET in Bender Arena.

Current students and alumni are invited to connect with employers actively recruiting AU talent for internships and full-time and part-time positions across industries.

The Career Center hosts both Fall and Spring fairs each year, along with industry-specific networking events. Attending these fairs at every stage of your academic journey offers unique benefits: from exploring career paths as a first-year student to securing post-grad employment as a senior.

Even if you're "just looking," showing up builds confidence, expands your network, and helps you understand what employers are seeking.

Pro tip: The Career Center offers resume and networking workshops before Internship Fairs to help you polish your performance

Start Now, Not Later
Career readiness isn't a one-time checklist — it’s something you build little by little. Update your LinkedIn, refresh your portfolio, reach out to an alum, and stop by the fair, even if you’re just exploring.

The sooner you start shaping your professional presence, the more doors you'll open for yourself. And at SOC, you have a whole community ready to help you along the way!