GET A JUMPSTART ON YOUR CAREER
Sandburg is committed to helping you develop the skills and experiences you need to achieve the career of your dreams. Explore all the ways you can get a jumpstart on your career:
Find an internship.
Interested in finding an internship? Learn how to get started finding an internship.Find a job.
Looking for a new job? Search local jobs.
Join us at our career expo.
More than 60 businesses and organizations come to Sandburg each April to meet with job seekers.
Join us April 9th from 11-1 in the Sandburg gym for our spring 2025 Expo!

Get help with your resumé.

Attend the Employability Skills Academy (ESA).

Federal work study (FWS)
Interested in an internship?
With a competitive job market, finding employment can be challenging — especially if you don’t have experience. Internships are a great way to gain exposure to your chosen career field and desired work experience.
Sandburg's internship program provides an outstanding opportunity to work one on one with employers to acquire the knowledge needed to gain practical skills — all while earning your certificate or degree.
Getting started
For-credit academic internship
Step 1: Submit a student internship interest form.
Step 2: Once you’ve submitted the form, you'll be contacted by the someone in Career Development to set up an appointment, which includes:
- Establishing a connection with a faculty supervisor
- Receiving required paperwork to give to your site supervisor
- Preparing for the internship (resumé/interview/first impression)
- Pursuing the internship
Step 3: Set up a required post-internship appointment with Career Development, which includes:
- Help writing a thank-you note to your internship site supervisor
- A final review of your resumé to ensure it's up to date
- A final mock interview to help create effective responses, work on nonverbal communication skills and reduce your stress before the actual job interview
Benefits for you
Completing an internship has many benefits. Along with helping master your professional skills, you can potentially:
Create a professional network. You'll be working with future colleagues during your internship or meeting professionals who can help connect you to future employment.
Building a strong resumé. Internship experience is a valuable part of your resumé. Prospective employers recognize an intern who’s willing to work hard to learn more about the industry a valued part of the company. Use internship experience as a priceless piece of your resumé to boost your skills and qualifications when searching for employment.
Secure good references and recommendations. By making a professional and positive impression with your colleagues, you may be able to request their future assistance with letters of recommendation to gain employment.
Increase the potential of transitioning to a part-/full-time position. A strong work ethic tells an employer a lot about your character. By proving your commitment to them, you may increase your chances of receiving an offer of employment.
Boost your confidence. Employers seek candidates who have the confidence to do the job successfully. By showing confidence during your internship, your entire work experience may improve drastically.
Learn by observation. Observational learning is the process of learning by watching a real-life example. Seek out the go-getters, and see how you can learn from them.
Receive professional feedback. Appreciate and learn from any constructive feedback or performance evaluation you may receive. Stay positive and receptive — remembering it can strengthen your relationship with employers.
Benefits for employers
Employers have a chance to find quality talent while inspiring and shaping professionals when they agree to host an intern. Plus, it:
Provides mentorship opportunities. An internship program provides an opportunity for your current employees to interact with Sandburg students. By showing the intern what it takes to be productive and successful, they are demonstrating specific behaviors expected in that career field.
Close the skills gap. Employers are saying new employees may have the technical skills to do the job but are missing the highly coveted soft skills. Help an intern close that skills gap so they can hit the ground running and exceed your expectations.
Gain a fresh perspective. By hosting an intern, employers may be able to capitalize on specialized strengths and unique skill sets. A new set of eyes could be instrumental in helping solve a problem and/or bringing in new ideas.
Increase your visibility on campus. Expose your business to undiscovered talent with the potential of getting your name in front of future applicants.
Finding an internship
Local internships are competitive and not exclusive to Sandburg students. It's important to find an internship early.
Dean of career and technical education (CTE)
Located in building G, the dean of career and technical education may be able to assist in letting you know of possible internship locations in and around the area.
Career Development
While not a job/internship placement office, Career Development can offer tips on how to put your best foot forward when making a strong first impression, and find out who is offering internships in and around the community. Now’s the time to spruce up your resumé, and brush up on your interview skills before moving forward in the internship process.
Your community
Reach out to businesses you’re familiar with to inquire about the possibility of an internship. Speak with someone who’s worked in the field you're interested in. This can include a professor, academic advisor or prior/current supervisor.
Family/friends
Do you know someone personally who can help you start networking with employers through their employment? Connect with family and friends to see who can speak professionally and positively on your behalf.
Online resources
Search websites like Indeed and LinkedIn to discover internship opportunities.
FAQs
Will Sandburg place me in an internship?
No. You’re responsible for locating an internship site; however, the dean of career and technical education and Career Development may offer information on who to contact for possible locations.
Do I get paid for an internship?
While most internships are unpaid, some might provide compensation.
What does the employer expect of an intern?
An employer has the same expectations of an intern as they would of an employee. Interns are expected to maintain a professional attitude, appearance and strong work ethic at all times. Treat the internship as seriously as you would actual employment. Attendance, punctuality, dependability, good judgment and maintaining a high quality of work are essential.
What are my options if I begin an internship and find it’s not a fit for the employer or me?
While we’re hopeful your experience will be a positive one, always communicate with your faculty supervisor about your internship situation. The site supervisor and faculty supervisor may be able to discuss and rectify any problem.
How will my performance be evaluated?
According to Sandburg’s internship policy, your site supervisor must evaluate you at the end of your internship so the faculty supervisor can assign a grade. The site supervisor can also choose to evaluate you periodically throughout your time during the internship.
Do I need to look for an internship relevant to my program of study?
Yes. You should look for positions related to your certificate/degree to get the most out of the experience.
Do I need to have transportation?
Yes. Reliable transportation, whether it be personal transportation, a taxi, Uber or city bus, is required for an internship.
Looking for a job?
Employers
Looking to post a job opportunity for our students? Send the posting to Career Development to be posted. Thank you for your interest in Sandburg students.
Students, alumni and community members
Opportunities posted with Career Development are advertisements received from employers and job search sites. No guarantee of employment is stated or implied. Contact Career Development with questions.
Accounting/banking/finance
- Midwest Bank, Galesburg, IL — Bank teller (5/7/25)
- Blick Art Materials, Galesburg, IL — Accounts payable associate (5/6/25)
- CBI Bank & Trust, Galesburg, IL — Personal banker (5/6/25)
- Ben Forney, State Farm, Abingdon, IL — Account representative (5/6/25)
Admin & clerical
- Howe Overhead Doors, Galesburg, IL — Administrative assistant/accounts receivable (5/6/25)
- Lambasio, Galesburg, IL — Office receptionist (5/6/25)
- West Central FS, Monmouth, IL — Administrative assistant (5/6/25)
- Village of Woodhull, Woodhull, IL — Office clerk (5/6/25)
- Bridgeway, Galesburg, IL — Data entry operator (5/6/25)
- Way Insurance Services, Galesburg, IL — Administrative assistant (5/5/25)
Agriculture
- AgReliant Genetics, Elmwood, IL — Seasonal production (5/6/25)
- Tractor Supply Company, Galesburg, IL — Merchandising sales associate (5/6/25)
- Martin Tractor, Galesburg, IL — Service technician (5/6/25)
- Birkeys Farm Store, Galesburg, IL — Service technician (5/6/25)
Automotive/drivers
- Yemm Automotive, Galesburg, IL — Automotive technician/mechanic (5/6/25)
- Loves Travel Stop, Knoxville, IL — Tire technician (5/6/25)
- AutoZone, Monmouth and Galesburg, IL — Miscellaneous positions (5/6/25)
- Frito-Lay, Galesburg, IL — Route sales representative (5/5/25)
Construction/laborer/operator
- Cleary Building Corp., Galesburg, IL - Post frame construction crew (5/6/25)
- Carl A. Nelson, Galesburg, IL - Construction craftsman (5/6/25)
- Koppers, Galesburg, IL — Plant laborer (5/5/25)
Education
- Head Start, Monmouth, IL — Home visitor (5/6/25)
- Sandburg, Galesburg, IL — miscellaneous positions (5/5/25)
- Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL — miscellaneous positions (5/5/25)
- Knox College, Galesburg, IL — miscellaneous positions (5/5/25)
Government
- City of Galesburg, Galesburg, IL — miscellaneous positions (5/6/25)
Healthcare
- Allure of Knox County, Galesburg, IL — Memory care activities assistant (5/7/25)
- Courtyard Estates of Knoxville, Knoxville, IL — Activities director (5/7/25)
- OSF Healthcare, Galesburg, IL — Digital health worker (5/6/25)
- Help at Home, Abingdon, IL — Home care aide (5/6/25)
- OSF Healthcare, Galesburg, IL — Hospice liaison (5/6/25)
- DD Homes, Galesburg, IL — Caregiver, over night shift (5/6/25)
- The Villas at Galva, Galva, IL — Dietary manager (5/6/25)
- OSF Healthcare, Galesburg, IL — Patient access associate (5/6/25)
- Gailey Eye Clinic, Galesburg, IL — Ophthalmic assistant (5/6/25)
- Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, IL — Full time activity director (5/5/25)
Hotel hospitality
- Quality Inn, Galesburg, IL — Housekeeping (5/6/25)
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Galesburg, IL — Guest room attendant (5/6/25)
- Fairfield Inn and Suites, Galesburg, IL — Front desk agent (5/5/25)
Human services
- Thrive, Galesburg, IL — Direct support professional (5/6/25)
- Stone-Hayes, Galesburg, IL — Independent living advocate (5/6/25)
- Center for Youth & Family Solutions, Galesburg, IL — Community outreach advocate (5/6/25)
Information technology
- Parallel Ag, Wataga, IL — Information technology support professional (5/6/25)
- CampusWorks, Monmouth, IL — Desktop technician (5/6/25)
Insurance
- Country Financial, Galesburg, IL — Insurance agent (5/6/25)
- Rob Williams, State Farm Agent, Galesburg, IL - Customer relations representative (5/6/25)
Janitorial/custodian
- Allure of Galesburg, Galesburg, IL — Housekeeper (5/6/25)
- Legacy Estates, Monmouth, IL — Housekeeper (5/6/25)
- Vonachen Group, Galesburg, IL — General cleaner (5/6/25)
- Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, IL — FT Maintenance of floor custodial work (5/6/25)
- The Villas at Carl Sandburg, Galesburg, IL — Temporary custodial summer help (5/6/25)
- Eagle View Community Health System, Stronghurst, IL — Clinical custodian (5/6/25)
- Quality Inn, Galesburg, IL — Housekeeping (5/6/25)
- OSF Healthcare, Galesburg, IL — EVS Tech I (5/6/25)
Law enforcement/security/firefighter
- Knox County Mary Davis Home, Galesburg, IL — Detention officer (5/7/25)
- Target, Galesburg, IL — Assets protection team leader (5/7/5)
- The Menta Education Group, Galesburg, IL — Classroom security paraprofessional (5/7/25)
Maintenance
- Thrushwood Farms, Galesburg, IL — Maintenance manager (5/7/25)
- Related Careers, Galesburg, IL — Maintenance technician (5/7/25)
- WestRock, Galesburg, IL — Maintenance tech (5/7/25)
- Loves Travel Stop, Knoxville, IL - Maintenance technician (5/7/25)
Manufacturing
- Heat and Control, Galesburg, IL — Field service technician (5/7/25)
- Heat and Control, Galesburg, IL — Welder (5/6/25)
- Midstate Manufacturing, Galesburg, IL — Hydraulics technician (5/5/25)
Miscellaneous
- Fareway Stores, Monmouth, IL — Market clerk (5/7/25)
- Circle K, Galesburg, IL — Customer service representative 2nd shift (5/7/25)
- Planet Fitness, Galesburg, IL — Member service representative (5/7/25)
- Thrushwood Farms, Galesburg, IL — 3rd shift smokehouse quality specialist (5/7/25)
- Planet Fitness, Galesburg, IL — Overnight custodian (5/7/25)
- Thrushwood Farms, Galesburg, IL — 1st shift packaging technician (5/7/25)
- County Market, Monmouth, IL — Customer service associate (5/6/25)
- Mediacom, Abingdon, IL — Broadband specialist I (5/6/25)
- Ameren, Galesburg, IL — Summer temporary gas meter painter (5/6/25)
- Midwest Awnings, Inc., Galesburg, IL — Installation and production tech (5/6/25)
- Tower Loan, Galesburg, IL — Customer service representative (5/6/25)
- Koppers, Galesburg, IL — Yard supervisor (5/6/25)
- USIC, Galesburg, IL — Utility locator (5/6/25)
- Thrushwood Farms, Galesburg, IL — Sanitation assistant (5/5/25)
- G&M Distributors, Galesburg, IL — Relief sales representative (5/5/25)
- City of Galesburg, Galesburg, IL — Temporary maintenance, streets (5/5/25)
Railroad
- Sperry Rail, Galesburg, IL — Certified trainee/apprentice (5/7/25)
- Loram, Galesburg, IL — Rail equipment maintenance operatorr (5/7/25)
- Hallcon, Galesburg, IL — Van driver (5/7/25)
Restaurant/food service
- Marigold Rehab Center, Galesburg, IL — Dietary aide (5/7/25)
- Woodridge Supportive Living, Galesburg, IL — Cook (5/7/25)
- Dominos, Galesburg, IL — Assistant manager (5/7/25)
- Applebees, Galesburg, IL — Miscellaneous positions (5/7/25)
- County Market, Monmouth, IL — Deli clerk (5/7/25)
- Cherry Street, Galesburg, IL — Prep/line cook (5/7/25)
- 156 East Bar and Grill, Galesburg, IL — Bartender and server (5/6/25)
Retail
- Straight Talk, Galesburg, IL — Retail sales associate (5/7/25)
- Walmart, Galesburg, IL — Miscellaneous positions (5/5/25)
- Marshalls, Galesburg, IL — Miscellaneous positions (5/5/25)
Sales & marketing
- Marigold Rehab & Health Care Center, Galesburg, IL — Sales & marketing coordinator (5/6/25)
- The Dispensary on Main, Galesburg, IL — Budtender and sales (5/6/25)
- Slumberland Furniture, Galesburg, IL — Sales associate (5/6/25)
Warehouse
- Galesburg Electric, Galesburg, IL — Warehouse/delivery associate (5/7/25)
- Americold, Monmouth, IL — Forklift operator (5/7/25)
- Blick Art Materials, Galesburg, IL — Seasonal distribution warehouse associate (5/6/25)
Join us at our career expo.
More than 60 businesses and organizations come to Sandburg each April to meet with job seekers. The career expo is free and open to the public. You’ll have the chance to network with businesses and organizations from the region, explore career fields and learn about Sandburg’s programs of study.
View pictures from the past expos.
Are you an employer wanting more info about the expo — and how to participate? Email the coordinator of career development.
Need help with your resumé & interview skills?
Resumé 911
Is your resumé a dud? Learn how to make a lasting and positive impression on a prospective employer in a short amount of time by receiving assistance from a certified resumé writer. Whether you're in the beginning stages or in need of a final proof, reach out to Career Development for a consultation today.
Interview bootcamp
Learn how to answer difficult questions, develop interview strategies, improve your communication skills, and reduce your stress before an actual job interview.
- What is your body saying about you before you even speak?
- Are you aware of the mistakes you could be making solely based on body language? When asked to identify the biggest body-language mistakes that job hunters make during an interview, hiring managers named the following, according to Harris/Careerbuilder poll of 2,500 hiring managers:
- 67% fail to make eye contact.
- 39% fail to smile.
- 33% play with something on the table.
- 30% have bad posture.
- 30% fidget too much.
- 29% cross their arms across their chests.
- 27% play with their hair or frequently touch their faces.
- 21% have a weak handshake.
- 11% use too many hand gestures.
- 7% have a handshake that was too strong.
- Are you guilty of committing one of the 12 lethal interview mistakes according to Harry Dahlstrom, author of The Job Hunting Handbook?
- Not knowing what the company does, what makes them special, or why you want to work there.
- Dressing too casually for a job interview.
- Showing up late for your interview — or not showing up at all.
- Not listening. Giving evading answers. Interrupting, arguing, using crude language.
- Taking a cell phone during your interview. (Always silence your phone before heading into the interview.)
- Being overly concerned with wages, paid vacations, paid holidays, sick days, promotions and benefits.
- Assuming you’re entitled to the job because of your education, social status or appearance.
- Bringing food, a beverage or an uninvited guest to your interview.
- Exaggerating your abilities, skills or accomplishments.
- Complaining about your former job, coworkers or manager.
- Showing a lack of interest in the position by not asking questions or offering comments.
- Getting your parents involved.
Employability Skills Academy (ESA)
What are employability skills?
A set of achievements, understandings and personal attributes that make individuals more likely to gain employment and to be successful in their chosen careers.
Why are these skills important?
Employers often look for skills that stretch beyond job qualifications and work experience. Applicants must possess extensive knowledge of soft skills to be considered worthy candidates.
What is the Employability Skills Academy (ESA)?
A 16-hour academy committed to enhancing your success and providing learning experiences to help improve the success rate in gaining and retaining employment. Upon successful completion of the academy, you’ll receive a certificate of completion, one vocational skill credit and the knowledge and skills to:
- Exhibit self-confidence through believing in your professional abilities.
- Live with self-esteem by projecting a positive orientation towards yourself.
- Practice positive social and interpersonal skills such as the ability to interact with people in appropriate ways both in person and through social media.
- Communicate effectively by conveying information that is both received and understood appropriately.
- Be a reliable person by keeping consistently high standards regarding attendance and time commitments.
- Present yourself as a professional by consistently dressing appropriately and maintaining a polite and courteous manner.
Through a series of fun, integrated activities combined with lectures, you'll feel comfortable collaborating with peers and learning how to make an incredible first impression with those you meet.
Skills covered in the ESA
- Communication/listening
- Teamwork & problem-solving
- Etiquette (business & social)
- Work ethic
- Customer service
- Presenting yourself
- Resumé 911 & interview bootcamp
- Digital dirt
- Time management