Career Services for Transfer Students
Why Transfer Students Need a Different Career Strategy
Transfer students make up nearly 40% of today’s undergraduate student population and represent a significant and growing part of colleges. The transfer student path to completing a bachelor’s degree often comes with tighter timelines and more complex decisions.
That’s where Career Services comes in. With a shorter timeline to explore options and gain experience, starting early and using resources intentionally can make a meaningful difference in your outcomes. Our office is here to support you at every stage of your transition.
Whether you’re still exploring career paths or preparing to apply for internships and full-time roles, we can help you translate your previous coursework, jobs, and life experiences into a strong, competitive resume; identify internship and experiential learning opportunities that align with your goals; and develop a clear, personalized plan for your time at UM-Dearborn.
Because we understand that many transfer students are balancing multiple responsibilities, we focus on helping you take efficient, high-impact steps.
You bring more to the table than you may think.
What you already have:
- College-level coursework
- Work and/or life experience
- Greater clarity on your goals
- Adaptability and resilience
Reframe your mindset:
You are not “behind” -- you are building on an existing foundation.
Quick Reflection Activity: Write down 3 experiences (class, job, project) and identify:
- Skills you used
- What you accomplished
- What you learned
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Waiting too long to visit Career Services
- Leaving previous experience/education off your resume
- Thinking you’re behind
- Not asking for help
- Applying too late for internships
Reminder: The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have. It is never too early to start!
It’s important to remember that many transfer students do not follow a traditional three or four-year timeline. Your path may look different, and that’s okay! What matters most is how you use your time intentionally from this point forward. Start planning and exploring today and visit Career Services to help guide and create a path forward that feels right for your timeline.
First Semester (Start Immediately)
- Schedule a Career Services appointment through the student portal
- Create or update your resume
- Explore 2-3 career paths
- Attend at least 1 career event or workshop
Second Semester
- Apply for internships or part-time roles
- Build your LinkedIn profile
- Start networking with faculty and alumni
- Work with a career coach to create your strategy or plan
Final Year
- Tailor resume and materials for targeted jobs
- Apply for full-time roles or graduate school
- Practice interviewing
Tip: Transfer students benefit from taking action early - don’t wait until your final year!!
What we can help you with:
- Career exploration
- Internship and job search strategies
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Interview preparation
- Networking guidance
When to come in:
- As soon as you arrive on campus
- Before applying to internships/jobs
- When you feel stuck or unsure
Tip: Come with questions and curiosity, even if you’re unsure where to start. We can help!
CareerOneStop - CareerOneStop is a comprehensive website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor that offers a wide range of career, training, and job search resources, including self asself-assessmentand occupation information.
Focus2Career - Focus2Career is an online, interactive career planning system that uses specialized tests to connect students with UM-Dearborn majors and careers that match their skills, personality, and interests. Create an account using your umich email address and the code “goblue”.
O*NET - O*NET is a powerful tool for anyone engaged in career exploration, job searching, or workforce development. It offers comprehensive and up-to-date information on a wide array of occupations and is a valuable resource for
understanding job requirements, market trends, and career possibilities.
Check out additional resources below!
You may not have time for multiple internships, so focus on quality and relevance.
Options to build experience:
- Internships (paid, unpaid, or for credit)
- Campus jobs that build transferable skills
- Class projects with real-world applications
- Volunteering or student organizations
- Micro-internships or short-term projects
Tip: One strong, relevant experience is more valuable than several unrelated ones. Make sure to visit the Internship Offices offered by each college! Be sure to reflect on these experiences and identify what skills you're using and learning that might be relevant to a future opportunity.
Include:
- Previous institution(s)
- Relevant coursework
- Work experience
- Transferable skills
Focus on:
- Skills, not just titles
- Impact, not just responsibilities
Example Resume Bullet Point:
Before:
Worked at front desk
After:
Provided customer service to 50+ visitors daily, resolving inquiries and improving overall client experience
Reminder: Every experience counts. It's about how you present it.
For resume resources and examples check out our Resumes and Cover Letters tab.
Start here:
- Professors (office hours matter!)
- Classmates / Peers
- Alumni
- Career events
Simple outreach message that you can send via email or LinkedIn:
“Hi [Name], I’m a transfer student at UM-Dearborn exploring [field]. I’d love to learn more about your experience and any advice you have related to [major/role/job search] in your industry. Would you be available to connect on a virtual call/grab coffee in the near future?”
Tip: Networking is about learning information, not asking for a job.
You may be asked: “Why did you transfer?”
Strong response structure:
- Brief reason
- What you gained
- How it connects to your goals
Example:
“I started at a community college to explore my interests and build a strong academic foundation. Transferring to UM-Dearborn allowed me to focus more directly on my career
goals in [field].”
Tip: Keep it positive and forward-focused. Your prior academic experiences are a STRENGTH.
For networking and informational interviewing resources check out our Networking tab.
Internships are highly recommended as a way to gain experience, learn work-place culture, and develop transferable skills. Internships can be a valuable way to explore a career path even if you determine it isn't the right path for you. You will still gain skills and experience that will help lead you to new opportunities in the future.
Key strategies:
- Apply early and consistently
- And remember, quality of application is more important than quantity of
applications submitted! - Use a variety of job boards, set notifications, check postings periodically
- Don’t limit yourself to one path or one type of role
If you feel “late” look for:
- Smaller or mid-sized companies
- Local opportunities
- Project-based, contract, or freelance work
Tip: Progress over perfection. Apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.
Job Search Resources:
- Wolverine Career Connections powered by 12twenty (Exclusively for UM-Dearborn students)
- On-Campus Jobs (Make these selections! Work Location: Dearborn; Full-Part-time: Part-Time; Regular/Temporary: Temporary)
- Student Research Opportunities & Grants
- GoinGlobal (Site available via the Mardigian Library. This has helpful resources for international students looking for sponsorship in the U.S., as well as students who want to work globally.)
Find additional resources available via Mardigian Library
- Office of International Affairs Page on Work as an International Student
Internship Offices
CECS Career Success Hub
CASL Internships Office
COB Business Career Center
CEHHS Field Placement- Glassdoor
- Google Jobs
- Indeed
For interviewing resources & practice check out our Interviewing tab.
Start This Week:
- Schedule a Career Services appointment through the student portal
- Update your resume
- Identify one career interest area
Stay Connected:
- Attend career events and look out for on-campus activities on VictorsLink
- Check job boards and LinkedIn regularly, and engage with posts
- Follow up with connections within 24-48 hours (be authentic and intentional)
- Interested in paid research?
Academic Success
At the University of Michigan-Dearborn, we offer a variety of academic support services to help you succeed in your studies. Explore resources like Academic Success, writing centers, tutoring, study groups, academic workshops - and more!
- Wolverine Mentor Collective
- Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS)
- Office of TRIO Programs (first gen, low-income, & students with disabilities)
- Counseling And Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Support, Opportunities, Advocacy & Resources (SOAR) - Nontraditional Students
- Dearborn Support
- Office of International Affairs
- Veterans at UM-Dearborn
- Office of Student Life
- Mardigian Library Resources
- Ombuds Services
Reminder: Don’t miss out on National Transfer Student Week events that are held every year on the third full week of October to celebrate YOU and all of your achievements!