Industry Connections Development Intern (Student Assistant - FWS)

The Industry Connection Development Intern serves as a member of the Industry to Campus Connection (Employer Relations) team within the Center for Career & Professional Development. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in employer engagement, internship development, event management, customer relationship management, and professional communications while supporting initiatives that connect employers with University of South Florida students.

About the Industry to Campus Connection (ICC) Team:
The Industry to Campus Connections team in the Center for Career and Professional Development seamlessly cultivates high-quality opportunities and connections for USF Bulls by driving employer success through team cohesion, innovation, and strategic partnership. The ICC team coordinates and supports the success of USF’s 70,000 employer, internship, and graduate school relationships bringing students over 10,000 job/internship opportunities every month and 600+ industry partners visiting USF to recruit annually.

Responsibilities:
• Support employer engagement initiatives by assisting with employer recruitment efforts, job promotion campaigns, information sessions, on-campus interviews, networking events, and career fairs.
• Assist in managing employer communications by monitoring the RecruitUSF employer inbox, responding to inquiries, routing requests to appropriate staff, and providing exceptional customer service.
• Review employer job postings, internships, and event requests in Handshake to ensure alignment with university guidelines and quality standards before approval.
• Support the growth and expansion of the Community Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program by assisting with employer and nonprofit partner communications, maintaining participant records, and helping connect eligible students with meaningful community-based employment opportunities.
• Assist with employer marketing and engagement strategies through the newsletters, promotional content, employer spotlights, and other communications that strengthen partnerships with industry.
• Conduct market research on employment trends, internship opportunities, employer hiring needs, and workforce development initiatives to support strategic outreach efforts.
• Represent the student perspective by providing feedback on employer engagement strategies, student interests, and campus trends to help improve employer programming and recruitment initiatives.
• Complete additional projects and initiatives that support employer partnerships, internship development, and career readiness programming as assigned.

Learning Outcomes:
After the completion of this internship, the student will leave with:
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with employers, community organizations, and campus partners through effective verbal and written communication while demonstrating professionalism and customer service.
• Demonstrate an understanding of employer recruitment strategies by identifying prospective employer partners, conducting outreach, and supporting initiatives that expand internship and employment opportunities for students.
• Research labor market trends, internship opportunities, employer hiring practices, and workforce needs to make informed recommendations that strengthen employer engagement initiatives.
• Evaluate employer programs and recruitment strategies from the student perspective while contributing ideas that improve access to internships, employment opportunities, and career development experiences for diverse student populations.
• Develop proficiency in professional software platforms such as Handshake, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and data management tools to organize information, manage employer records, and support departmental operations.

Hours & Compensation:
• Flexible work hours are available between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday
• 15-20 hours per week
• $15 per hour

Minimum Qualifications
• Must be eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program.
• Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of South Florida.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications
• Interest in employer relations, career services, human resources, recruiting, business, marketing, or communications.
• Previous experience in customer service, leadership, student organizations, or volunteer work is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); experience with Handshake or Canva is a plus.
• Willingness to learn new technology and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.