The University’s Olinde Career Center is still offering job opportunities during the stay at home period.

Currently, there are more than 11,000 jobs listed in Handshake, the University’s online career resource for students and alumni, according to Associate Director of Student Services Blake Winchell. 

Many employers reported they will continue recruiting students virtually for summer and fall opportunities. While non-essential businesses will remain closed until at least April 30, Handshake lists many jobs that are considered essential, such as grocery stores and other delivery services. 

Some University student employees had the opportunity to continue their on-campus employment remotely, through supervisors transitioning assignments to remote formats. Students who were unable to work remotely or had their hours reduced were encouraged to apply for unemployment insurance. 

According to a March 27, 2020 National Association of Colleges and Employers poll, 71% of employer respondents plan to continue with internships as planned, Winchell said. Applications for jobs are still done through the same online system as well.

“Most job applications were done virtually even before this situation, so not much has changed in the application process,” Winchell said.

As a substitute for the canceled on-campus career events, the Career Center set up Resume Books in Handshake, where employers who would have visited campus can view student resumes. 

Winchell said a student should still be confident when seeking job opportunities, despite the unique circumstances. 

 “What remains unchanged is that LSU degrees are highly valued by employers,” Winchell said. “The students who will be most successful on the other side of this transitionary period will be those who seek out virtual job fairs and virtual networking events.”