Career Center
Career Center for Law Students
There is a separate career services team for the School of Law. If you’re a law student or alumni follow the link below. The Career Center provides resources, support, and opportunities to students and graduates as they transition from law school to professional life.
Current Students and Alumni
The Career Center provides students and alumni from the Ageno School of Business, Braden School of Taxation, School of Accounting, and School of Undergraduate Studies with the support, resources and opportunities to make informed career decisions.
Students and alumni have free access to career consulting, workshop and events, networking opportunities, job search resources and networking opportunities, and access to jobs and internships posted on the Bridge. The Career Center also offers a wide variety of tools and resources for faculty and staff.
Eligibility Requirements for Students
The Career Center serves students and alumni from the schools of undergraduate studies, business, accounting, and taxation*. Services include individual career consulting; internship and employment assistance; networking events; inclusion into resume books; on‐campus interviewing; and online internship and job listings.
Eligible students are automatically registered with a Bridge account and receive login instructions during their first week of enrollment at GGU. After logging in, students can access resources throughout the website.
*Students and alumni in the Law program are served by a separate career office.
Eligibility Requirements for Alumni
Services offered by the Career Center are free to alumni from the schools of undergraduate studies, business, accounting, and taxation. Alumni have access to online resources and job postings. Alumni may also utilize career coaching appointments, as career coaches’ schedules permit. Students and recent graduates (0-2 years) will be given priority. Generally, we limit alumni support to no more than five session during a specific career transition.
The Bridge is an online system designed to assist GGU students and alumni from the Schools of Business, Taxation, and Accounting with their career management. You can access the Bridge by logging into your myGGU account.
If you are a law student, visit the Law School page.
The Bridge will allow you to gain access to:
Career Consulting Appointments
One-on-one, confidential appointments with a career consultant for support in all aspects of career planning including job searching, resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, LinkedIn profile development, networking skills, and salary negotiations. Make your appointment today!
GGU’s Job & Internship Board
Access to jobs and internships posted for GGU students and alumni on the Bridge.
As a student or alumnus who utilizes The Career Center services, I agree to:
- Provide accurate and honest information on my Bridge profile, resume, and all job search documents and in my interactions with employers.
- Before registering for an event or making a career consulting appointment, I will ensure that I can honor this commitment. If I must cancel and appointment or event registration, I will do so in the Bridge at least 24 hours in advance. Once I cannot cancel online, I understand that my cancellation is considered a “late cancellation” and must be cancelled by calling or emailing the Career Center.I understand that if I do not show up for a scheduled appointment/event and do not notify the Career Center in advance, I am considered a “no‐show”. Consistent “late cancelations” and/or “no-shows” may result in a restriction of services.
- Accept that career counseling is not appropriate for everyone. My career counselor has the right to remove my career counseling rights if he/she believes that I can no longer be effectively served by the office.
- Keep ALL interview appointments with employers conducting campus interviews or notify our office in advance of any emergency reason to cancel a commitment. I understand that I must cancel or reschedule campus interviews online by the cancelation deadline. Once I can no longer cancel online, I understand that my cancellation is considered a “late cancellation” and must be cancelled by notifying our office.I understand that if I do not keep my scheduled campus interview and do not notify the Career Center in advance, I am considered a “no‐show”. I understand that if I “no‐show” two times I will lose my career services interview privileges.
- Engage appropriately and professionally with all members of the GGU community (ex. employers, alumni, staff/faculty). Should my interactions be deemed as inappropriate, all or some of rights to career services and activities may be revoked.
- Honor my acceptance of a job or internship offer. Once I accept an offer, I will withdraw from consideration for other opportunities, discontinue my job or internship search, and remove myself from any resume books (if applicable). I understand that it is unethical to accept a job or internship and then renege (turn down the offer). I will advise the Career Center’s director of any extenuating circumstances that may cause me to reevaluate my job/internship acceptance before notifying the employer.
- Accept the consequences of losing Career Center privileges if I do not comply with these principles of conduct. I understand that some violations could result in a report to the Dean of Students.
The Career Center provides services to support students and alumni in strategic career management.
Drop-In Hours
Please email careers@ggu.edu for any career related questions.
Assessments
Career Assessments such as MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory, CareerLeader, StrengthsQuest, and SkillScan (log into GGU4YOU for applicable fees)
Webshops
Online presentations on GGU eLearning.
Alumni Services
All alumni can utilize career services free of charge. This includes appointments with a career consultant, events, job postings, and online resources through the Bridge.
What resources are available on GGU4You?
While many of our resources are available through the Bridge, students and alumni have access to a list of employers who have hired GGU interns, industry information, and additional job board suggestions by logging in to GGU4YOU.
What is career consulting?
Career consultants work with you in a collaborative and confidential relationship so you can:
- Better identify your skills, interests, and values
- Make informed career choices
- Be valued and satisfied in the workplace
Career consultants can meet with you to discuss:
- Setting career goals and action plans
- On-campus employment
- Career decision making
- Assessment of skills, values, interests, and personality preferences
- Developing your network
- Resume and cover letter writing
- LinkedIn profile development
- interviewing skills
- Job search strategies
- Job loss
Log into the Bridge to set up an appointment with a Career Consultant.
Job Boards
- The Bridge: GGU students and alumni can access jobs and internships posted on the Bridge, several of which are targeted for the GGU community.
- GGU4YOU: Current students also have access to a list of previous internship sites and local, national, and industry-specific job boards through the Career Center page in GGU4YOU.
- Jobs at GGU: If you are looking to work on campus, perhaps as a student assistant, visit GGU’s job board.
Fraudulent Jobs
The university does not endorse or recommend employers, and a posting does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. The university explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about job listings or the accuracy of the information provided by the employer. The university is not responsible for safety, wages, working conditions, or any other aspect of off-campus employment without limitation. It is the responsibility of students to perform due diligence in researching employers when applying for or accepting private, off-campus employment and to thoroughly research the facts and reputation of each organization to which they are applying. Students should be prudent and use common sense and caution when applying for or accepting any position.
If you are at all suspicious about a job posting or job offer, do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss it. If a job seems too good to be true, the job is offered without an interview, or the job is different than advertised, or you are being asked for money or to use your bank account for transactions, these are all good reasons to be suspicious.
Legitimate employers would NOT ask you to:
- Provide credit card or bank account numbers during the application or interview process (Note: once hired, a legitimate employer may ask for a voided check for direct deposit of your salary).
- Send payment by wire service or courier.
- Use your bank accounts – often for depositing checks or transferring money.
- Ask you to give them money to guarantee your job or for visa sponsorship.
If you have been the victim of fraud and have provided your credit card or bank account information to an illegitimate employer, we urge you to:
- Contact your bank or credit card providers to check for and report unauthorized use of your accounts.
- Request and monitor your credit report.
- File a report with the FTC (a government agency for consumer protection).
- In the event of fraudulent activity, file a police report with your local police station.
Internships
If you are interested getting an internship while enrolled at GGU read the Step-by-Step Guide to Getting an Internship.
An internship should:
- Apply classroom theories to real life situations
- Help you decide on a job function or career path
- Give you experience in a new job function or gain new skills
- Be directly related to your major and/or career goal
- Be supervised by someone in your field of study
How do I find and internship?
- Log into the Bridge for current internship opportunities
- Consider creating your own internship by networking with employers
- View a list of employers who have hired GGU students as interns on GGU4YOU
- Make an appointment with a Career Consultant to discuss your internship search
The Career Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year with opportunities to network with the GGU community and employers which may include panels, informational sessions, networking events, and employer resume critiques. Visit the Bridge for upcoming events.
Some of our signature events throughout the year include:
- Taxation & Accounting Career Fair – The Annual Taxation & Accounting Career Fair is held in September. Registration for the Taxation and Accounting Career Fair opens in mid-August.
- Inside Secrets of Getting a Job: A Recruiters Panel – A moderated panel discussion with recruiters or individuals who work closely with hiring candidates for positions within business – marketing, HR, project management, finance, business/data analytics. Panelists share current trends for the job search and advice about starting at a new job. This event also includes ample time to network with panelists and attendees.
- RealTalk: How Alumni Got their Jobs! A moderated panel discussion with GGU alumni who share what it took to get employed. Alumni reveal what resources and techniques worked best for them as well as what they would have done differently. This event also includes ample time to network with panelists and attendees. ELEVATE: Professional Development Event – Engage | Volunteer | Impact – An opportunity for the GGU Community to network with nonprofit organizations and discover skill-building opportunities through volunteerism, professional association membership, or by serving on the board of directors for an organization. A photographer will be available to take headshots for student’s LinkedIn profiles as well.
- Eat & Greet Networking Lunch –Network with local Bay Area Industry Professionals over a FREE lunch. Participants will also get real-time feedback on their networking skills. See video highlights of this event.
- Mock Interview Event with HR Professionals – Practice your interview skills with an HR professional and get real-time feedback! Students can sign up in advance for a time slot and will be connected to valuable resources to prepare.
GGU’s LinkedIn Group
GGU’s official “members-only” group on the popular professional networking site, LinkedIn. By joining GGU’s LinkedIn group, you can view a list of other group members and access tools that facilitate connecting with former or current GGU colleagues, classmates, and faculty. Please be sure to note your affiliation with GGU in your profile in order to join the group.
Tips and best practices to get you started with LinkedIn:
GGU Alumni Events
Connect with your fellow alumni in person by attending one of the many Alumni events held throughout the Bay Area.
Professional Associations
Professional associations are groups of people who are looking to advance their field or industry. Professional associations can provide excellent training and networking opportunities for those who are involved. Many have student memberships available and offer local professional development events to members. Visit GGU4YOU for a list of industry-specific professional associations.
Glassdoor
Current students can create a free Glassdoor student account using their ggu.edu email address. The student account will provide 12 months of unlimited access to all of Glassdoor’s content including information about salaries, interview questions, and employer reviews. Just click on the Glassdoor icon to create your free account.
Workforce Recruitment Program
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students, graduate students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.
Webshops
The Career Center course in eLearning provides access to online webshops on variety of career development topics.
Webshop Topics Include:
- Anatomy of a Resume
- Resume Accomplishment Statements
- Attending a Networking Event
- Expanding Your Professional Network
- Preparing for a Career Fair
- Elevator Pitches
- Creating a Cover Letter
- Getting LinkedIn
- Networking with LinkedIn
- Informational Interviewing
- Salary Negotiations
Vault – Campus Edition
Get access to the VAULT though the GGU Library. Research top employers, career advice (resumes, interviewing), career guides (e.g., Advertising/Marketing) and internships. New users import your information from your LinkedIn account or create a new account using your GGU email and personal and work experience information.
Occupational Outlook Handbook (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a publication of the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics that includes information about the nature of work, working conditions, training and education, earnings and job outlook for hundreds of different occupations in the United States.
Standout
A mock video interviewing platform, to help you improve your interviewing skills. For login information, contact your career consultant or email careers@ggu.edu.
Community Career Resources
Additional resources for individuals needing career support outside of Golden Gate University.
Please note that some agencies may charge a fee. Visit their website or call the agency for more details.
San Francisco
- One Stop: Job seeker services
- Bay Area Career Center (fee-based)
- JVS
- SF Chamber of Commerce Job Forum: Job search group
- SF Public Library: Resources, workshops and career coaching
East Bay
- Wardrobe for opportunity: Serves low-income job seekers
- Unity Council: Career services in English and Spanish
- One Stop: Job seeker services
- East Bay Works: Network of job centers
- Career Advice by Marty Nemko
Silicon Valley
- San Jose One Stop: Job seeker services
- Nova Job Center
- San Jose Employment Center
- Youth@Work Employment Services
- CSix Connect: Job search resources and networking
Peninsula
Sacramento
- Sacramento Works: Serves job seekers and employers
- Sacramento Public Library: One-on-one job coaching and job search guide
Many organizations are able and willing to hire international students. It is important that international students understand their personal visa and H1B process and can discuss this information with potential employers. The Career Center can help students prepare for these conversations as well as seek out potential employers. GGU alumni can also be excellent resources when it comes to research potential employers. Students can also utilize the resources listed below:
- Top 100 H1B Visa Sponsors
- Top Companies That Hire International Students
- Top Companies That Hire International F1 Students
Interstride
Interstride is a career platform that assists international students with their employment search and immigration questions. Through the platform, students can:
- Look for employers offering jobs and internships through CPT, OPT, and H1-B sponsorship.
- View and apply for thousands of jobs and internships.
- Access articles, content, and webinars on immigration topics.
Interstride is available to enrolled students from the San Francisco location who hold F-1, J-1, J-2, or H-4 visas. Eligible students are automatically registered with Interstride and can access the platform through the myGGU portal. These students will continue to have access to Interstride after graduation.
Get Connected to Professional Associations
There are professional associations for every field of study and profession. They’re great for networking and creating new opportunities.
Meet Our Team
Joana Scharinger, M.S.
Associate Director
Email: jscharinger@ggu.edu
Joana Scharinger is a Career Counselor and former recruiter. She is passionate about combining her counseling and recruiting experience to help people pursue and plan their career paths and journeys. She provides support for resume reviews, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, job searching, and networking strategies. Before joining GGU, Joana worked as an agency recruiter helping companies such as Facebook, Salesforce, GAP and others, expand their teams. Joana has helped hundreds of candidates format their resumes, apply for jobs, and prepare for interviews.
Joana also has a therapy background and worked at a Mental Health Institution for 5 years. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and Culture from University of Brasilia, Brazil, and a master’s degree in Human Resources from Golden Gate University.
In addition, Joana volunteers as a career coach with several nonprofit organizations in San Francisco Bay Area.
Jimmy Bonner, M.S.
Assistant Director
Email: jbonner@ggu.edu
Jimmy Bonner graduated from San Francisco State University (SFSU) in Fall 2014 with a BA in English Education. During his time at SFSU, he worked in the Office of International Programs, helping incoming exchange students. He also studied abroad in South Korea for a semester.
Jimmy has been working at GGU since 2015 and he also received his Master’s Degree (MS in Digital Marketing, 2020) here as well. He enjoys working with Photoshop and is the creative mastermind for the office’s graphic designs. His background in marketing has helped paved way to highlight the Career Center around GGU. On his free time, Jimmy enjoys playing video games, reading comic books, and he has in interest in fashion.
Heather Cowan
Part-Time Career Coach
Email: hcowan@ggu.edu
Heather Cowan has dedicated her career to the growth and development of students and professionals. She has taught part time at GGU for 12 years, while holding leadership roles in Learning and Organization Development: Director of Learning and Development with Autodesk (10 years), Associate Director of Leadership Development at Genentech (7 years), and VP of Learning at Schwab (7 years).
Beginning in 2019, Heather has served as a Career Coach for employees in corporate, non-profit and foundation environments. She loves working with people as they clarify career goals, develop resumes and learn the job search skills required to land an ideal job.
Heather has 3 grown children and loves to read, walk, take yoga, and art classes.