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.
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
Bank data center operations clerk — Galesburg, IL (10/7/24)
Tompkins State Bank is hiring an operations clerk.
Admin & clerical
Chiropractic assistant/secretary — Monmouth, IL
Need someone, hard-working, outgoing, dependable and works well with others. Job includes answering phones, scheduling, patient, communication, medical, coding, documentation and insurance.
- 36 hours/week
- Starting $16/hour
- Paid yearly vacation
Submit resumé at booneweg@icloud.com.
Front-desk receptionist — Galesburg, IL (10/1/24)
Kehoe Eye Care is hiring a front-desk receptionist.
Office assistant — Galesburg, IL (9/30/24)
Galesburg Sanitary District is hiring an office assistant.
Part-time receptionist — Knoxville, IL (9/23/24)
Knox County Nursing Home is hiring a part-time receptionist.
Office administrator — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Heat and Control is hiring an office administrator. Attach your resumé in an email with the job title in the subject line to employment@heatandcontrol.com.
Agriculture
No jobs currently.
Automotive/drivers
Part-time para-transit driver — Galesburg, IL (10/21/24)
City of Galesburg is hiring a driver.
Instacart delivery driver — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Instacart is hiring a delivery driver.
Program aide/driver — Galesburg, IL (9/30/24)
Gordon Behrents Senior Center is hiring a program aide/driver.
Construction/laborer/operator
No jobs currently.
Education
Sandburg positions — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Sandburg is hiring for miscellaneous positions.
Government
No jobs currently.
Healthcare
Assistant — Galesburg, IL (10/21/24)
Kehoe Eye Care is hiring an assistant.
Medical office assistant — Galesburg, IL (10/7/24)
Renal Care Associates is hiring a medical office assistant.
Caregiver/personal assistant — Galesburg, IL (9/30/24)
Heart and Home is hiring a caregiver/personal assistant.
Client service representative — Galesburg, IL (9/30/24)
Knox County Health Department is hiring a client service representative.
Dietary aide — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Allure of Galesburg is hiring a dietary aide.
Hotel hospitality
Front-desk clerk — Galesburg, IL (10/21/24)
Best Western Prairie Inn & Conference Center is hiring a front-desk clerk.
Human services
No jobs currently.
Information technology
No jobs currently.
Insurance
Personal lines customer service representative — Galesburg, IL (10/1/24)
Porter Hay Insurance is hiring a representative.
Janitorial/custodian
Janitorial and yard maintenance—Galesburg, IL (9/30/24)
Heat and Control is hiring a position for janitorial and yard maintenance.
Janitorial/housekeeping — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Mr. B's Cleaning Solutions is hiring for a janitorial/housekeeping position.
Law enforcement/security/firefighter
No jobs currently.
Maintenance
No jobs currently.
Manufacturing
Metal pourer — Galesburg, IL (10/1/24)
Aluminum Castings is hiring a metal pourer.
Shipping crate builder — Galesburg, IL (9/24/24)
Midstate Manufacturing is hiring a shipping crate builder.
Miscellaneous
Front-of-house/concessions associate — Galesburg, IL (10/21/24)
The Orpheum Theater is hiring a front-of-house/concessions associate.
Packing technician — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Thrushwood is hiring a packing technician.
Metal pourer — Galesburg, IL (9/26/24)
Aluminum Castings is hiring a metal pourer.
Gate clerk — Galesburg, IL (9/26/24)
Lazer Logistics is hiring a gate clerk.
Lab technician — Galesburg, IL (9/25/24)
The Galesburg Sanitary District, Galesburg, IL, is seeking a lab technician to work at the wastewater treatment plant. This position is responsible for performing lab analyses on wastewater samples, entering and summarizing data on reports and recommending adjustments to plant processes based upon lab results.
Application deadline is Oct. 14, 2025.
One year of experience in a laboratory setting is preferred. An associate degree in chemistry, biology or environmental science is preferred.
- The applicant must be proficient with computers.
- Work on some holidays and weekends is required.
- The applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Walking and lifting will be required.
- An excellent benefits package is included.
Salary is commensurate with experience. Residence in Galesburg, IL, or the immediate surrounding area is preferred. Please email resumé with complete work history, education, and three professional references to info@gbgsd.org.
Resumés may also be mailed to:
Plant Superintendent
Galesburg Sanitary District
2700 W. Main St.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Railroad
No jobs currently.
Restaurant/food service
Dietary Aide — Galesburg, IL (10/21/24)
Allure of Galesburg is hiring a dietary aide.
Applebee's positions — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Applebees is hiring for miscellaneous positions.
Server/bartender - Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Cherry Street Brewing Company is hiring a server/bartender.
Crew member — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Baked Pizzas is hiring a crew member.
Barista — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Innkeeper's is hiring a barista.
Retail
Store manager — Galesburg, IL (10/21/24)
GameStop is hiring a store manager.
Signet Jewelers — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Kay Jewelers is hiring for miscellaneous positions.
Target positions — Galesburg, IL (10/4/24)
Target is hiring for miscellaneous positions.
Kohls positions — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Kohls is hiring for miscellaneous positions.
Part-time customer care representative — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Blick Art Materials is hiring a customer care representative.
Store manager/assistant manager — Galesburg, IL (9/23/24)
Four Seasons Women's Apparel is hiring a store manager/assistant manager.
Sales & marketing
Inside sales representative — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Royal Publishing is hiring an inside sales representative.
Automotive sales consultant — Galesburg, IL (10/15/24)
Kunes Auto Group is hiring an automotive sales consultant.
Relief sales representative — Galesburg, IL (9/30/24)
G&M Distributors is hiring a relief sales representative.
Seasonal
No jobs currently.
Warehouse
Warehouse planner — Galesburg, IL (10/1/24)
United Facilities is hiring a warehouse planner.
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