Career Development

Madonna University is partnered with Handshake, a premier career management and job search platform used by over 14 million students and alumni from more than 700 universities!

Current students, activate your account to:

• Browse the Handshake "Feed" for career tips and industry information.
• Visit the virtual "Career Center" for resources, specially curated for Madonna University students, to help you throughout your career journey!
• Explore internship and on-campus student employment opportunities, as well as part-time or full-time employment positions.
• Complete your profile and upload your resume to showcase your strengths to employers.
• "Follow" your favorite companies, and use the messaging feature to connect with hiring managers and recruiters.
• Attend virtual events to learn more about opportunities with a variety of companies across industries. 

For student events offered on-campus through the Career Development Office, check the Presence app and Handshake! 

Does your student group or organization want a personalized workshop on a Career Development topic? Reach out today at careerdevelopment@madonna.edu!

Alumni, be sure to utilize the Handshake platform to support your job search needs after graduation! If you are recruiting or hiring for your company, don't forget to select the "Alumni" option within your company profile. 

Employers, create your company profile on Handshake to:

Post part-time, full-time, or internship positions for Madonna University current students and Alumni. If you've graduated from Madonna yourself, don't forget to select the "Alumni" option within your company profile.

Use the "messaging" feature to connect with potential candidates.

Questions? Contact careerdevelopment@madonna.edu 

Career Development staff members at Madonna University help students utilize their academic degrees for rewarding careers. Internships provide great career preparation experiences and they are mutually beneficial to students and employers. We invite you to offer Madonna students the opportunity to use their career-ready competencies to help your business. Internships typically last 15 weeks during Fall (Sept. through Dec.) and Winter (Jan. through April) semesters, and 12 weeks during Summer semester (May-mid August). Students are required to obtain a certain amount of hours if taking an internship for credit. For more information, please contact 734-432-5665 or careerdevelopment@madonna.edu.

Benefits to Your Organization

We are excited to connect you with students who can help your organization while they gain practical experience. Collaborating with Madonna University offers other advantages:

• A chance to implement early-career pipelines for hiring talented and qualified staff
• Flexible scheduling to meet short and long-term employment needs
• Increased visibility and impact of your business in the community
• New ideas and fresh approaches for your business

Your Role

• Provide a job description for the internship
• Supervise the student intern in a safe and healthy work environment
• At semester’s end, reply to an online link to evaluate the student’s internship performance*
• Allow for a potential on-site visit by a Faculty member or a member of our Career Development staff*
• Maintain open communication with Madonna Career Development staff

*May not be required for all internships.

Internship Compensation

Student interns are typically paid an hourly rate for duties they perform, which helps offset their expenses. Madonna University follows the criteria established by the U.S. Department of Labor for unpaid internships. Nonprofit organizations should reference the specific Department of Labor law policies for unpaid internships.

What is Federal Work Study (FWS)?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) programs provide valuable financial assistance to students by allowing them to work part-time while pursuing their academic goals. This initiative not only helps alleviate the cost of education but also offers practical work experience that can be beneficial for future career opportunities. On campus, students can find a range of job options through FWS, from administrative roles to positions within academic departments, which can fit around their class schedules and support their professional development.

In addition to on-campus employment, the FWS program often includes opportunities for community service. Engaging in community service not only enriches the student's educational experience but also strengthens connections with the local community. These roles can vary from tutoring and mentoring youth to working with local nonprofits and advocacy organizations.

Overall, the combination of federal work-study jobs and community service opportunities enhances students' academic journey by providing financial support, work experience, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Am I eligible for FWS?

Students can contact Financial Aid at finaid@madonna.edu or Career Development at careerdevelopment@madonna.edu to inquire about their FWS eligibility. 

I'm FWS eligible! Now what? 

Students who are FWS eligible should apply for on-campus jobs through Handshake! Most positions are posted in the month of August. 

1. Create a Handshake account
2. Search "Madonna University On-Campus Student Employment"
3. Apply for positions of interest that match your qualifications

Please note that being FWS eligible does not guarantee that you will be offered a position on campus. 

If students earn the amount of FWS funds they are eligible for per semester, does that mean they have to stop working on-campus?

Not necessarily. Their supervisor will determine how many hours they’re allotted to work in their role each week, which will have been cleared through the university budget. Supervisors can contact careerdevelopment@madonna.edu with questions.

Can students have more than one on-campus job?

Yes, but the maximum hours per week students can work on-campus collectively is 20 hours.

Can students change job positions during the academic year?

Yes. First, students must speak with their supervisor regarding their situation. If students choose to leave their employment, students must inform their supervisor and the Career Development office.

Can international students work on-campus?

International students may work on campus but must apply for a U.S. social security number once they have applied for and obtained an on-campus job through Handshake. Instructions on how to apply for a U.S. social security number can be reviewed on MyPortal or the Handshake Career Center.

What documents do students need to complete before they can work?

All students must complete state and federal tax withholding forms. In addition, students must complete a USCIS Form I-9. This document is the Department of Homeland Security’s Employment Eligibility Verification. This form must be filled out in-person with a staff member in the department of Career Development. Along with the Form I-9, students must present original, unexpired, authentic documents to verify both the student’s identity and employment eligibility.

How do students obtain their paycheck?

Students receive their first payment, a paper check, from Student Financial Services in room 2005. Students are required to establish Direct-Deposit through our payroll system, UKG, so that payment for their work is deposited directly into a bank account. 

Who do students talk to if they have a discrepancy or any questions concerning their paycheck?

Students may contact Bobbie Boyd in Payroll by email at blboyd@madonna.edu or by phone at (734) 432-5384.

Who do students talk to if they have a discrepancy or any questions concerning their hours worked or their time-sheets?

Students will contact their direct supervisor by email or phone if they have a discrepancy or questions concerning their time-sheets.