Published: March 11, 2024

When searching for a job or internship, you want to ensure that the company or organization you pursue matches your values and goals. Not only do you need to learn the responsibilities and functions for positions of interest, but you’ll also benefit from learning the company culture and workplace norms. Here are tips to help you figure out whether a company or organization is a good fit for you. 

Determine your values and goals 

Start by working to understand what you want from a work environment. For example, do you want to be part of a larger or smaller team or work in person versus remote. Career Services has two free online resources you can use to get started. 

Career Values Card Sort

The Career Values Card Sort is a simple, free and fun self-reflection tool to help you consider what workplace values matter most to you. The results can help you: 

  • Determine whether potential jobs or companies align with your values.  
  • Start the conversation about your job search when meeting with a career advisor. 

Life Values Inventory

The Life Values Inventory can help you clarify your values and serve as a blueprint for effective decision-making and optimal functioning.  

  • You’ll need to create a free account to use this tool. 
  • You answer questions about your values and actions. 
  • You receive results to connect your values with strategies to flourish in your career. 

Research online 

You can use online tools to research companies that interest you.  

Read company reviews on Glassdoor

Glassdoor is a crowdsourced platform where current and former employees can write reviews about a workplace. Use the review to: 

  • Learn patterns in management. 
  • Explore and compare benefits. 
  • Evaluate the overall workplace experience. 
  • Look for patterns in feedback. Keep in mind that reviews reflect individual experiences and perspectives. 

Scan the company’s online presence

By researching the company’s online presence, you can identify the values, mission, DEI presence and more. 

  • Review the company website. 
  • Follow their social media accounts, including LinkedIn. 
  • Read news and other articles about the company. 
  • Consider whether the values on the website align with or contradict the information written about the company by others. 

Connect with people in the industry 

Take advantage of opportunities to speak directly with representatives from organizations. As a student, you can tap into resources offered by Career Services and the Forever Buffs network to learn about specific industries and companies. 

Informational interviews

An informational interview is a free way to seek advice and information from a professional in your field of interest. To make the most of informational interviews: 

  • Connect with professionals through the Forever Buffs Network or LinkedIn. 
  • Research the person and the organization they work for. 
  • Prepare questions and topics to discuss during your meeting. 

Career fairs 

Career Fairs are another way to interact with company employees and get information on the company culture. 

  • Ask similar questions as you would in an informational interview. 
  • Remember that you will only have time to ask one or two questions, and if you want to talk more, request their contact information. 

Keep investigating  

As your job search progresses, you will have continued opportunities to ask questions and investigate the organization. During an internship, you can take steps to understand the workplace vibe and how to integrate into the environment and culture. An internship allows you to have an inside view of a company before you make a long-term commitment. 

Preparing for interviews

Once you get to the interview stage, you can ask questions and pay attention to learn more about the company’s values. 

  • Consider how the interviewer treats you. Are they communicating respectfully? 
  • Is the interviewer providing clear, honest and straightforward responses? 
  • Is the company demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and inclusion through diversity initiatives, employee resource groups or partnerships with diverse organizations? 
  • Is the company investing in employee growth through training programs, mentorship opportunities and a clear career progression plan? 
  • Ask questions to help you understand the company’s commitment to work-life balance. 

During an internship

Make the most of your internship by learning about the company culture and whether you like the work environment. 

  • Talk with your new co-workers. Be engaged and ask questions. 
  • Pay attention to team dynamics, including how people communicate and how management interacts with the team. 
  • Find a mentor who can help you navigate the expectations and help you learn and understand your role and growth opportunities. 
  • Be intentional about how you present yourself. While you want to be authentic, you also benefit by remaining professional and making a positive impression.

Resources 

Career Services provides tools and resources to help support and empower students during their job search process. Learn how to look for green flags during an interview, and check out workshops on networking and interviewing.