FAQ: Career planning Office: Kelley School of Business: IUPUI Indianapolis

Students who are interested in a career in business are welcome to request an appointment and attend events. However, non-Kelley majors are not guaranteed access to the full suite of CPO services, which includes self-assessment, unlimited counseling appointments and a multitude of online resources, including KelleyCareers. (back to top)

When is the CPO open?

Monday-Thursday: (8am – 5pm)
Friday: (8am – 4pm)
Walk-in Counseling Hours: (9am – 11am) and (2pm – 4pm) daily

You are free to come in during daily walk-in hours or set-up an appointment. Evening appointments are available by request. (back to top)

When can I set up an appointment and can I choose who I want to meet with?

You are free to come in during daily walk-in hours or set-up an appointment. You can request an appointment with any member of the CPO staff, though we may recommend that you meet with a particular counselor depending on what it is you need to discuss. Students who come in during walk-in hours will generally see the first available counselor at that time. Evening appointments are available by request. (back to top)

Am I guaranteed a job through the Career Planning Office?

No. We do everything we can to help you find a job and a career in which you will be successful and satisfied. However, it is ultimately up to you to find positions you are interested in, apply, interview and land a job offer. We are here to help you each step of the way and give you the tools to succeed. (back to top)

If I have already graduated, can I still use the Career Planning Office?

Yes. Kelley Indianapolis alumni have full access to the CPO. (back to top)

What kind of companies does the CPO work with?

The CPO has relationships with organizations across the country. We do, however, work primarily with companies throughout the state of Indiana, the majority being in the greater Indianapolis area. Information on many of these companies can be found on KelleyCareers. (back to top)

How do I pay the MSA fee?

The MSA fee can be paid by check or credit card in the Career Planning Office (BS4090). We cannot accept counter/starter checks (checks in which you handwrite in your account information). (back to top)

What is career counseling?

Career counseling covers more than just finding a job and revising your résumé. Whether you are a traditional or non-traditional student, the CPO offers a range of career counseling services that can be customized to your individual needs and situation. Please see our Career Counseling page for more information, including walk-in hours and how to set up an appointment. (back to top)

Can I take a test to help me decide what I should major in or what career I’d be good at?

Self-assessments, such as the MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory, can be great tools for helping you as you consider majors and careers. Both are available in the Career Planning Office free of charge to Kelley Indianapolis students. (back to top)

Can I take the MBTI or Strong Interest Inventory online?

The MBTI can be taken at any time in the Career Planning Office. It generally takes between 20 – 45 minutes. Once the assessment is scored, you will schedule an individual appointment with one of our certified career counselors to explain and review your assessment results.

The Strong Interest Inventory can be taken online. You must first call or stop by the Career Planning Office to request instructions and the password necessary to access the online assessment. (back to top)

Is there a charge to take the MBTI or Strong?

No, both are available free of charge to Kelley Indianapolis students. (back to top)

When should I begin my job search?

As soon as possible! You should plan on starting an internship or job search a year in advance. Many employers hire months in advance of starting dates and starting early ensures that you have time to get your résumé ready, identify potential contacts and locate job opportunities. (back to top)

What is the first step in beginning a job search?

The most effective job search is a targeted job search. Self-assessment and research are the two steps most effective in helping you decide the fields, industries, organizations, job titles and locations you are interested in pursuing. (back to top)

Where and how can I research an employer?

As you pursue your business education, you should be keeping up on current trends in local, national, and international business. Reading the Indianapolis Business Journal and Wall Street Journal will help keep you informed on the activity of many companies. You can also go to company websites to keep abreast of a firm’s mission, customer base, location and current focus. Vault is also an excellent resource with approximately 2,500 company profiles. (back to top)

How can I conduct a job search for a city other than Indianapolis?

Many students are interested in looking for jobs outside the greater Indianapolis area. If you are interested in relocating, the more informed (and prepared) you are, the easier your search will be. Please check out the Relocation page of our website for information on expanding your search beyond Monster and CareerBuilder. (back to top)

What are some job titles and career paths related to my degree?

There are several excellent resources for this type of research. A few that we use in the CPO are Vault, MyPlan, Occupational Information Network (ONET) and Occupational Outlook Handbook. (back to top)

What is KelleyCareers?

KelleyCareers in an online job and internship database maintained by the CPO. (back to top)

Who is eligible to use KelleyCareers?

KelleyCareers is available for the following students only:

Current Kelley Indianapolis undergraduates
MSA students who have paid the fee for CPO services
Kelley Indianapolis alumni

Students request their own account by setting up a profile, which must be approved by the CPO. Access to KelleyCareers for students who do not fit into one of the 3 categories will be determined on an individual basis and may include a charge to the student. (back to top)

Where can I look for jobs online other than on KelleyCareers?

There are dozens (probably hundreds) of online job boards. In order to help you sort the clutter and expand your options beyond Monster and CareerBuilder, the CPO has taken the time to identify what we consider to be some of the most effective online sites. We have also indentified a number of major/career-specific sites. Please let us know if you find a site that is not on the list that you think should be included. (back to top)

What are the deadlines to register for a For-Credit Internship? How do I apply for a For-Credit Internship? Do I qualify for a For-Credit Internship?

For all information on the Kelley School of Business For-Credit Internship Program, including deadlines, application instructions, and eligibility requirements, please refer to the website. If you have questions about your particular situation, please call the Career Planning Office at 317.278.0506. (back to top)

How long does a For-Credit Internship last?

For-Credit Internships last for one semester (Fall, Spring or Summer). Your internship must take place during the semester in which you are receiving credit. Credit will not be given retroactively for prior work experience or internships already completed. (back to top)

Can I get credit for a job that I already have?

You may be eligible to receive credit for your current position as part of the For-Credit Internship Program in select situations. Each situation will be considered individually, but your job must be related to your major and you will have to identify a project that you can complete during the semester in which you are enrolled in the program. (back to top)

How do I find an internship?

There is no one way to find an internship. Internships can be found through KelleyCareers, JagJobs and other online job boards as well as through company websites and personal contacts. It all depends on the type of internship experience you are looking for as well as your personal situation (locations, pay, hours, length of internship required, etc.). Because you are a student at Kelley Indianapolis, you have opportunities to engage in internships during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters as well as take non-traditional internships that are more like part-time or full-time jobs in a career of interest that last a year or more and are flexible around school. (back to top)

What if I can’t do an internship because I am a working student?

We recognize that the majority of Kelley Indianapolis and IUPUI students work 20-40 hours per week while taking a full course load. If you are already in a position related to your major or career interests, that is just as valuable, if not more so, than a traditional 10-14 week internship. If you are developing skills in your job that make you an attractive candidate regardless of the nature of your current position, you are also increasing your marketability.

What you may want to consider is a re-definition of the term ‘internship.' The term internship is generally used for one-time on-the-job learning experiences. However, you can gain just as much valuable experience through a full or part-time job related to your major or career interests. Several companies in downtown Indianapolis and surrounding areas offer such opportunities and are usually accommodating when it comes to your academic schedule. Some organizations may even offer some form of tuition reimbursement as an additional perk. (back to top)

How many hours a week is a typical internship?

Internships can range from 10 hours per week to 40+ hours per week, depending on the position. (back to top)

Can I get paid for my internship?

Yes. The vast majority of internships are paid, most at competitive levels. (back to top)

What is the typical salary for an internship?

Interns are usually paid on an hourly basis, though some offer stipends. The range varies widely depending on the organization and job responsibilities. (back to top)

What is the difference between an internship and experiential learning?

An internship is a form of experiential learning. However, experiential learning is not limited to internships. You can engage in experiential learning through classes (ex: I-Core), volunteer opportunities and any other situation where you learn through an integration of knowledge, activity and reflection. (back to top)

How can I find out about job fairs?

For a list of upcoming Kelley Indianapolis and IUPUI recruiting events, please see our Schedule of Events.

Please contact the CPO if you have additional questions about a particular event. Check out our short podcast on Making the Most of a Job Fair. (back to top)

Do I have to be a senior to attend the job fairs?

No. Recruiting events are open to all students, regardless of class standing or major. However, some events are targeted to particular majors. (back to top)

Can I attend career fairs at other universities?

It depends on the host school’s policy, though Kelley Indianapolis students are welcome to attend job and career fairs across Indiana. For a list of upcoming Kelley Indianapolis and IUPUI recruiting events, please see our Schedule of Events. You can also see upcoming events on your calendar in KelleyCareers. (back to top)

Why should I attend events?

Recruiting events are about more than just passing out your résumé to potential employers. They are your chance to personally meet with and have discussions with recruiters and professionals in your career of interest. They are great opportunities for you to ask questions. Also, recruiting events can be especially effective for students who have special situations, such as lower GPAs or an uneven work history, to explain their situation in a way that is often not possible through a résumé. (back to top)

How do I sign up for events?

Most events do not require a sign-up. For those that do require an RSVP, including our monthly Resume Review Roundtable, you can sign-up through KelleyCareers. (back to top)

I’m having trouble setting up an OptimalResume account.

The access code is KSBI. Please visit our website for full instructions. (back to top)

What is on-campus recruiting?

On-campus recruiting really means on-campus interviewing. A number of organizations will set up interview schedules through the CPO and conduct their first round of interviews on-campus in the CPO interview suites. Employers generally prefer to conduct subsequent interviews on-location (at their offices). Other organizations prefer to conduct all interviews at their office(s). (back to top)

How does a mock interview work?

Face-to-face mock interviews are similar to regular interviews except you get constructive feedback on your performance. Mock interviews generally last about 30 minutes (20 minutes for the interview and 10 minutes of critique and discussion). You can sign-up for upcoming mock interviews on KelleyCareers. Keep an eye out because they fill up fast. (back to top)

What is a behavioral based interview?

Behavioral based interviewing is one of the most commonly used interview techniques. This technique is based on the premise that your past performance (at work, in school, in leadership roles, in athletics, etc.) is the best predictor of your future performance. How well you behaved or performed in past activities will help the interviewer decide how well you’d do in the new position. In a behavioral based interview, you will be asked to describe situations where you displayed the skills, abilities and personal traits that are sought for the position for which you’re applying. The questions will be open-ended and tend to begin with phrases such as:

"Tell me about a time when ...."
"Give me an example of ..."
"Describe a situation where ..."

These questions are best answered using the S.A.R. framework: Situation -Action - Result.

For more information on behavioral based interviews, the SAR framework, and a list of commonly asked interview questions, see our Sample Interview Questions Guide. (back to top)

How can I get help with my interviewing skills?

You can sign up for a mock interview with an actual employer through KelleyCareers or conduct an online mock interview using InterviewStream. You can also make an appointment for a mock interview with a member of the CPO staff, or come by the office. We can discuss any specific questions or anxieties you may have. (back to top)

Can I get online help with my interviewing skills?

Kelley students can set-up a free account and conduct customized online interviews using InterviewStream. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam (we also have kiosks in the CPO). You can review your own performance or send a link to your résumé to anyone from whom you’d like to receive feedback. (back to top)

What is an informational interview and how can I find someone to interview?

An informational interview is like a job interview in reverse – you identify an individual working in an organization or career field in which you are interested and set up a time to meet with her to ask questions. If you ask the right questions, not only will you learn about the organization/career field, you will receive sound advice and expand your professional network. See our Informational Interview Overview for information on setting up and conducting a successful interview. The CPO can also help you identify potential interviewees. (back to top)

How do I explain a career change to a prospective employer?

We have many students who are interested in a career change or who are in the process of changing careers. Each student or alumni’s situation is unique. Therefore, this question can be best answered by talking with one of our career counselors by phone, e-mail, or in-person. (back to top)

What if I have decided to accept a job, but signed up for other interviews prior to accepting an offer?

You cannot continue to interview for positions once you have accepted an offer. If you signed up for an interview time through KelleyCareers, you should remove yourself from the schedule. If it is 48 hours until your scheduled interview and you have still not canceled, please contact the CPO by phone at 317.278.0506. See our On-Campus Interview Policies for full details (also available on KelleyCareers). (back to top)

How do I negotiate salary with a potential employer? Are there other issues I should be concerned with when negotiating a salary?

Please see our Negotiations page for advice and tips on how to negotiate professionally. A member of the CPO staff can help you with your specific situation. (back to top)

What salary can I expect when I graduate?

Salaries vary greatly by company, industry and job responsibilities. If you’d like to see data on recent Kelley Indianapolis graduates, please see the Statistics section of our website (all statistics are based on self-reported student data). (back to top)

What method should I use and how often do I follow-up with an employer after sending in my résumé or completing an interview?

Employers generally prefer to be contacted by e-mail rather than by phone or in writing, though this is not a hard and fast rule. A good rule of thumb for following up on a résumé submission is 2 weeks. You should send a thank you e-mail within 24 hours of completing an interview (though you should wait until the next day). If you have not heard from an employer after the timetable discussed in your interview, you may send a follow-up e-mail requesting an update on the status of the position. (back to top)

What is service learning and can it increase my marketability as a job candidate?

Service learning is a great way to enhance your marketability. It often demonstrates, among other traits, leadership, communication, interpersonal and time management skills as well as motivation and an understanding of social responsibility. For more information on service learning and a list of ways to get involved, please visit the IUPUI Center for Service and Learning. (back to top)

What exactly is study abroad? Will spending a semester or year in a study abroad program increase my marketability as a job candidate?

Study abroad experiences can certainly enhance your marketability. These experiences demonstrate cultural awareness, an openness to diversity and an interest in global affairs, which are all highly valued in an increasingly diverse and global business environment. For information on study abroad and other exchange opportunities, please visit the IUPUI Office of International Affairs. (back to top)

How is the Indianapolis economy?

The Indianapolis business community is composed primarily of small and mid-sized companies, which presents opportunities and challenges to job seekers. To keep you up-to-date with the local economic climate, we recommend reading the Indianapolis Business Journal. (back to top)