It’s important to be aware of the recruiting cycle timeline for your desired industry so you can plan and prepare accordingly. Connect with the recruiters or alumni from your target companies to note specific timelines on a company-by-company basis so as to not miss any critical deadlines. Make it a habit to stay engaged with Handshake for job and internship postings and updates and also the career websites of your target companies. Remember, many companies recruit on a rolling basis so it’s best not to wait until the last minute to apply. The advice we hear from recruiters is “apply when you are ready,” which means your application materials won’t need to be updated after you submit them and you’re ready to engage in the next steps of the process.
Note that diversity recruiting occurs ahead of the primary recruiting cycles for some industries. In Investment Banking, you’ll see diversity recruiting for underrepresented populations, including women, minorities, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Look for specific applications a few months prior to the primary cycle and be prepared to move through the full process before it begins for the traditional cycle. In Accounting, you’ll see “leadership development programs” offered, sometimes prior to the internship recruiting (after which an internship offer is extended) or after the internship offer is extended (but to occur prior to the internship). Talk to your Career Coach about how to navigate diversity recruiting if you think it might be relevant for you.