General Advice for DACA, and Undocumented Students

Undocumented and DACA students face a myriad of difficulties associated with job and internship searches. The Carleton Career Center is available to support these students regardless of immigration status. It is important to note that all DACA and undocumented students are eligible for and encouraged to engage in ALL of our programs including (but not limited to) CarlsChat, Scholars, Job & Internship fairs, and Job & Internship postings in Handshake.

The Office of International Student Life (ISL) can also provide academic, emotional, and professional support. They offer a number of resources and programs to connect with current students and alumni. Visit their website for specific contact information.

Career Center Tips and Suggestions

  • Use the Career Center: Our office offers a number of resources to help students find full-time and internship opportunities in the U.S. and internationally. We encourage you to set up an appointment to meet with a career coach to assess your skills/interests, review your application documents, identify resources, connect with alumni, practice interviewing skills, find opportunities applicable to you, and become knowledgeable about upcoming programs including CarlsChat, Scholars, Job/Internship Fairs, etc.
  • Gain experiences: Participate in internships, externships, volunteering opportunities, and student organizations to learn more about what you’re interested in and to build the skills necessary for your job search. We provide strategies for finding formal internships and informal shadowing opportunities. Students are encouraged to apply for funding for unpaid opportunities, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status.
  • Build a network: Utilize your existing network and develop additional connections. This network can include friends, relatives, faculty, staff, and especially Carleton alumni. Use the Alumni Directory to connect with alumni in your interested field to learn more about opportunities in those areas. More than 80% of jobs are found through networking so we encourage you to get started. It’s often not what you know, but who you know.
  • Disclosing Your Status: Knowing when, how, or if to disclose your DACA or undocumented status can be challenging and varies with every opportunity and organization. We encourage you to talk with a career coach to discuss the nuances of the position and set up an appropriate plan.

Financial Support & Resources for DACA Recipients

Comprehensive Guide to College for Undocumented and DACA Students