Shocker Central Student Toolkit

• 🎯 Find an On-Campus Job
  • Discover student employment opportunities across Wichita State that help you earn income, build experience, and develop career-ready skills.
• 💼 Find an Internship or Full-Time Job
  • Search thousands of opportunities, receive personalized recommendations, and create job alerts so new openings come directly to your inbox.
• 🤝 Meet with a Career Coach
  • Get personalized guidance on career exploration, resumes, interviewing, networking, graduate school, and your next career step.
• 📄 Improve Your Resume
  • Upload your resume for professional feedback and learn how to make a stronger first impression with employers.
• 📚 Access Career Resources
  • Explore templates, checklists, career guides, job search tools, and other resources designed to help you prepare for internships, jobs, interviews, career fairs, and more.
• 🌟 Connect with Alumni & Mentors
  • Build relationships with Shockers who have volunteered to share advice, answer questions, and help you navigate your career journey.
• 🎪 Attend Career Fairs & Events
  • Meet employers, expand your professional network, learn about opportunities, and prepare for a successful career search.
• 🏢 Research Employers
  • Explore organizations, discover who hires Wichita State students, and identify employers that align with your interests and goals.
• ❤️ Track Target Employers
  • Create a personalized employer watchlist, track applications, save notes, and stay organized throughout your job search.
• 📊 Explore Career & Salary Data
  • Use career outcomes and salary information to research career paths, understand market trends, and make informed decisions about your future.
• 📝 Track Experiences & Report Outcomes
  • Record internships, jobs, and applied learning experiences while helping future Shockers learn about career outcomes after graduation.

New to Shocker Central? Start Here.

✅ Complete Your Profile | Get better job, internship, employer, and event recommendations.

✅ Upload Your Resume as a PDF | Receive feedback before applying for opportunities.

✅ Schedule a Career Coaching Appointment | Meet with an expert who can help you explore careers, prepare for interviews, and build a plan.

✅ Turn On Job Alerts | Have opportunities delivered directly to your inbox.

✅ Attend a Career Event | Meet employers, grow your network, and discover opportunities.

First-Time Login

Step 1: Log In

Visit wichita.12twenty.com and select Login with your Current Student Info and sign in using your Wichita State credentials.

You may be prompted to update profile or account settings including:

• Designating your Work Authorization
  • Permanent means you can work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Choose this if you are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident. 
  • Non-Permanent means you can work in the U.S. for a limited time (often on a visa) and may need employer sponsorship to continue working. 
• Joining the Student & Alumni Directory
  • Select "Yes" if you want your profile to be visible to both current students and alumni so they can email you. 
• Add an Applied Learning Experience (ALE) or Post Graduation Outcome (PGO)

Step 2: Explore Your Dashboard 

Your Home page is the first place to check when you log in. It brings together recommended jobs, career events, upcoming activities, and important career-related actions so you can quickly see what's new and what requires your attention Here you'll find:

Step 3: Customize Your Experience

Update your profile, job preferences, work authorization, and LinkedIn-URL to receive more personalized recommendation and opportunities.

Meet With a Career Coach

You don't have to figure out your future alone. Career Coaches work with students every day and provide personalized guidance on topics including:

• Explore majors and career options
• Build stronger resumes
• Prepare for interviews
• Improve your LinkedIn profile
• Develop networking skills
• Create a job search strategy
• Increase confidence in your career decisions

Available Appointment Types: Depending on your needs, appointment options may include:

• SCA Career Exploration
• SCA Resume Coaching
• SCA Interview Coaching
• SCA LinkedIn & Networking Coaching
• SCA Job Search Coaching

Schedule an Appointment 

Navigate to: Appointments

1. Choose an appointment type
2. Select a Career Coach
3. Choose a date and time
4. Select virtual or in-person
   • In Person Appointments occur in the SCA Office: Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, Virtual Appointments happen in Shocker Central. 
5. Answer Appointment specific questions
6. Confirm your appointment

Help Us Make the Most of Your Appointment
When scheduling, complete the appointment request questions with as much detail as possible. Sharing your questions, goals, classes, student organizations, experiences, and what you've already explored helps your Career Coach prepare for your meeting and provide more personalized guidance.

Career Coach Tip: Don't wait until your senior year. Students who engage early often feel more confident and prepared throughout their college experience.

Not sure where to start? Review the appointment descriptions at the top of the scheduling page or contact us, SCA@wichita.edu. Whether you're exploring majors, searching for opportunities, or preparing for interviews, we'll help you find the appointment type that best fits your needs.

Upload Your Resume

Uploading your resume is one of the fastest ways to start using Shocker Central effectively. A resume is required for many opportunities, and uploading one allows Career Coaches to provide feedback before you apply.

Navigate to: Application Materials 

From here, you can upload resumes and other application documents.

Resume Statuses

• Approved
  • Your resume is ready to use.
• Pending Requested Updates
  • Revisions are needed before approval.
• Rejected
  • Significant changes are needed before approval.

Best Practices

✅ Upload your resume as a PDF

✅ Use professional formatting, using one of our templates as a guide

✅ Schedule a Resume Coaching appointment

✅ Update your resume after new experiences

Access Career Resources

The Resource Library provides career guides, templates, worksheets, job search tools, and professional development resources to support every stage of your Career Ready Journey. Resources include:

• Resume & Cover Letter Development
• Interview Preparation
• Networking & LinkedIn
• Career Fair Preparation
• Job Search Strategies
• Graduate School Planning
• Professional Workplace Skills
• International Student Career Support
• Career Development & Exploration

Navigate to: Resource Library 

Career Coach Tip: The Resource Library is a great place to prepare before an appointment and continue developing your skills afterward.

Find Jobs & Internships

Shocker Central recommends opportunities based on your profile and interests. Keep your profile updated to receive more relevant recommendations.

1. Navigate to: Jobs/Internships & OCI 
2. Search using Employer Name, Job Title, Keywords, Location, or Job Type
3. Save Searches and Set Alerts: This allows opportunities to come directly to you rather than requiring repeated searches.
   • After creating a search:
     • Save the search
     • Give it a name
     • Turn on email alerts
     • Select daily or weekly notifications

Career Coach Tip: Apply early whenever possible. Many employers begin reviewing applications immediately.

Find On-Campus Jobs 

The WSU Student Listings  section provides opportunities available specifically to Wichita State students. On-campus jobs can help you gain professional experience, build transferable skills, and develop connections while earning income as a student. Popular on-campus opportunities include:

• Research & Innovation Roles – Work alongside faculty, researchers, and industry partners through opportunities such as research assistants, laboratory support, and NIAR positions.
• Technology & Engineering Positions – Gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity, software development, data analysis, web development, engineering support, and IT-related projects.
• Marketing & Communications Roles – Create content, support social media, design marketing materials, and assist with campus communications and outreach.
• Student Success & Peer Support Positions – Help fellow students through peer coaching, tutoring, mentoring, ambassador programs, and student support services.
• Administrative & Office Support Roles – Build professional skills while supporting campus departments through customer service, office operations, and project coordination.
• Teaching & Academic Support Opportunities – Serve as a teaching assistant, tutor, grader, or academic support team member.
• Graduate Assistantships – Graduate students may find teaching, research, and administrative assistant opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals.
• Applied Learning & Industry-Sponsored Positions – Participate in employer-sponsored projects and hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world work.

Save searches and activate alerts to stay informed about new openings.

Attend Career Events & Fairs

Career events help you explore careers, grow your network, and connect directly with employers. Opportunities include:

• Career Fairs
• Employer Information Sessions
• Networking & Mixer Events
• Professional Development Workshops
• Interviews & Screenings

Search Events

1. Navigate to: Events → Advanced Search

2. Filter by:
   
   1. Event Type
   2. Employer Name
   3. Date  
3. Register for an Event: Many events provide valuable details before you attend, including participating employers, event locations, dress expectations, schedules, and registration deadlines. 
   
   1. Select the event
   2. Review details
   3. Click Register Now 
   4. Add the event to your calendar
      • • Connect Shocker Central to your Microsoft Calendar to keep track of events you have registered for.

Before Attending

✔ Upload a resume

✔ Research participating employers

✔ Prepare questions

✔ Practice your introduction

✔ Dress professionally when appropriate

Career fairs and employer events are some of the fastest ways to build your professional network, discover opportunities, and make a positive impression on potential employers.

Stay Organized

Sync Your Calendar, connect Shocker Central with Microsoft Calendar so appointments, employer events, career fairs, and interviews appear alongside your academic schedule.

To connect your calendar:

Account Settings → Integrations 

Connect With Alumni & Mentors

Learn From Those Who Have Been There. The Mentorship platform connects students with alumni and professionals who have volunteered to help fellow Shockers. Mentors can help you:

• Explore career paths
• Learn about industries
• Expand your network
• Build confidence
• Gain professional insight
• Navigate career decisions

Find a Mentor

1. Select Mentorship
2. Browse recommended mentors
3. Use filters to narrow results
4. Review profiles
5. Request mentorship or connect directly

Don't Wait

Networking is most effective when started early. Building relationships before you need a job often leads to better opportunities later.

Build Your Professional Network

Students & Alumni Directory 

Connect with fellow Shockers and alumni working in industries and organizations that interest you. Use the directory to:

• Explore career paths
• Discover alumni employers
• Build professional connections
• Learn about different industries

The Shocker network extends far beyond campus and can be a valuable resource throughout your career journey.

Research Employers

Researching employers before applying can help you identify organizations that align with your interests, values, and career goals.

1. Navigate to: Employers 
2. Search organizations by:
   1. Employer Name
   2. Industry
   3. Keywords

Explore Employer Insights with Job IQ.

Many employer profiles and job postings include Job IQ data based on Wichita State student outcomes. This information can help you better understand an employer's hiring history and opportunities available to Shockers. You may be able to view: 

• Number of Wichita State hires in the last year
• Number of Wichita State hires in the last five years
• Median salary information
• Salary trends
• Offer timing trends
• Common job sources

Job IQ data can help you:

• Prioritize employers for your job search
• Research salary expectations
• Understand hiring timelines
• Prepare thoughtful interview questions
• Identify organizations with a history of hiring Wichita State students

Track Your Target Employers

Click the heart next to an employer’s name in the Employer Directory to add them to your Target Employers list. Use Target Employers To:

✅ Save employers

✅ Track application progress

✅ Create reminders

✅ Add notes

✅ Set priorities

✅ Organize follow-up tasks

Career Coach Recommendation: Build a list of 10–20 organizations that genuinely interest you and track them throughout the year. A focused job search is often more effective than applying everywhere.

Research Careers & Salary Data

See where Wichita State students work. The Job IQ Explorer helps you explore real career outcomes reported by Wichita State students and alumni. Instead of guessing where graduates work, what employers hire students in your major, or what salaries are common in your field, you can use actual outcome data to make more informed career decisions.

Explore Career Outcomes. Use Job IQ Explorer to research both Internships (Applied Learning Experiences) and Post-Graduation Outcomes. You can explore data related to: 

• Locations
• Industries
• Job Functions
• Employers
• Job Titles
• Compensation
• Offer Timing
• Job Sources

Make the Data Relevant to You The most powerful feature in Job IQ Explorer is the ability to filter the data to match your interests and goals. Start by filtering by:

• College
• Major
• City
• Industry
• Employer
• Job Function

These filters help you move beyond general career data and focus on information that is most relevant to your career interests.

Turn Data Into Action Use Job IQ Explorer to answer questions like:

• Where do students in my major work after graduation?
• What industries hire graduates from my college?
• Which employers regularly hire Wichita State students?
• What job titles are common for graduates in my field?
• What salary ranges should I expect?
• When do employers typically make offers?

Career Coach Tip: Don't guess. Use the data. Look at graduates from your major, identify 5 employers that hire Wichita State students, and add them to your Target Employers list.

Track Your Experiences

Applied Learning Experiences (ALE) 

Record experiences such as:

• Internships
• Co-ops
• Student employment
• Practicum/ Clinicals
• Student Teaching
• Other Applied learning opportunities

Keeping these records current makes resume updates and future applications much easier.

Share Your Success

Graduating? Tell us what’s next! Report your post-graduation outcome through Shocker Central and get your free alumni shirt.

Whether you’re starting a job, continuing your education, entering military service, or pursuing another path, sharing your plans helps future Shockers explore what’s possible after graduation.

Learn how to report your outcome and get your free alumni shirt.