Your Career is what You Make It
Get the resources that you need to prepare for life after graduation.
Empowering USD Students to Build Bright Futures
At the University of South Dakota, classroom connections and hands-on experiences work together to power successful career outcomes. We are here to give you continuous support throughout your academic journey and help you confidently navigate life after graduation.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to take charge of your career path:
- Recruiter Networks: Connect face-to-face with local and regional employers hiring for internships and full-time roles during campus events.
- Mentorship Programs: Get paired with peer or alumni mentors who can guide your transition, answer questions, and lend support during your academic journey.
- Alumni Success Stories: Learn how fellow Coyotes have turned their education, partnerships, and clinical or field experience into impactful careers.
Student Resources
4 Services to Help You Find the Right Job
Whether you're interested in a work-study position on campus, a part-time position in the Vermillion area or a summer internship in another city, USD offers a variety of services and resources to help connect current students with employment opportunities. Listed below are five of the big ones.
Coyote Careers
Coyote Careers is USD's career services manager powered by Symplicity. You can use Coyote Careers to apply for all types of jobs (on-campus, work-study, part-time work and full-time careers). Plus, there's an app.
Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program (FWS) provodes students with the opportunity to earn money for their educational expenses. This program s available to undergraduate and graduate students in need of financial assistance, which is determined by the Financial Aid Office through information provided on the FAFSA. If you have questions about your eligibility, you can contact the Financial Aid Office.
Center for Career Design
From career coaching and employer connections to job fairs, worshops and more, the Center for Career Design can help you find and prepare for employment opportunities while you are still a student.
Departments
Students in the Beacom School of Business, the School of Education and the Knudson School of Law have dedicated career offices. Many other majors and programs also have well-developed internship programs, employer networks and specialized professional development. If you have questions about what is available to you, you can contact your department or email [email protected].
USD 1 Credit Classes
Want to create ideal career path? Here are three courses offered at USD that are designed to empower you for success:
ASC 301: Career and Life Design (Fall, Spring, Summer)
This fast-paced, 8-week course equips you with the essential skills to excel in your job search. Learn resume writing, interview techniques and networking strategies to land your dream job.
ASC 101: Exploring Career and Life Design (Fall, Spring)
This dynamic 8-weel course helps you discover your passions, strenghts, and ideal career path. Through self-reflection and exploration, you'll gain clarity and confidence in your future.
Best Jobs in America 2026
As you are thinking about what type of career would be best for you, accounting for things like your professional skills, academic strenghts and workplace preferences is always important. But, it is also important to consider career options that will offer you stabilitiy and growth oppotunities, both of which are givens in the Top 25 Jobs for 2026.
- Nurse Practitioner
- Financial Manager
- IT Manager
- Information Security analyst
- Physician Assistant
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Software Developer
- Data Scientist
- Speech-Language Pathologist
- Pilot
- Actuary
- Respiratory Therapist
- Management Analyst
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
- Financial Advisor
- Lawyer
- Marketing Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Occupational Therapist
- Dental Hygenist
- Operations Research Analyst
- Human Resources Manager
- Psychiatrist
- Opthalmic Medical Technician
If one of these roles sounds interesting to you, USD proudly offers academic programs that can directly prepare students for most of the careers listed above. To see the full list with descriptions, check out the U.S. News & World Report's "Best Jobs in America in 2026 List".
USD's 30 Under 30
Whether it was through continuing education, starting a business or founding a nonprofit organization, meet the outstanding young alumni who are making an impact.
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Career Planning Guide
This guide is designed to help with common questions regarding resumes, prepping for an interview, graduate school and preparing for life after graduation.
Need to Clean Out Your Closet?
Donating your gently used professional or business-casual attire to Charlie’s Career Closet is an excellent way to support the next generation of leaders — helping them dress for success without the financial burden. Plus, there are three clothing drop options to make donating easy.
