Campus Partners and Resources Supporting Students Graduating Soon
You don’t have to build your career path from scratch. We’ve partnered with campus, community, and statewide organizations to help you bypass common professional barriers—like navigating the hiring timelines of the job market, and shifting your personal identity from “student” to “professional”—and eliminate the guesswork, finalize your post-degree placement, and confidently launch into your next chapter.
Explore the categories below to connect with specific programs, funding, and mentorship networks built for your success!
- Handshake: UM’s online job and internship portal. Do not wait until finals week to check the market. Log into your account via UM Handshake to access thousands of active, immediate post-graduation job listings, track regional recruiting events, and message corporate recruiters directly.
- Career Fairs & Employer Events: Attend career fairs on campus and virtual employer info sessions in Handshake to network with employers and discover opportunities.
- Cover Letter Creation: For both academic and non-academic applications.
- Mock Interviews: Practicing for different interview formats
- Offer Negotiations: Especially important for graduate-level roles.
- ASUM Bear Neccessities Food Pantry: Offset daily living and grocery costs to free up limited cash flow for interview travel or professional materials by utilizing the UM Food Pantry.
- Griz Career Closet: The Griz Career Closet provides UM students with free professional and business-casual attire for interviews, career fairs, jobs, internships, and more.
- UM Commencement Regalia & Fee Logistics: Avoid surprise late fees by tracking your final credit checks, application windows, and cap-and-gown ordering logistics via the UM Office of the Registrar Commencement website.
- TRIO SSS Cap & Gown / Fee Support: Beyond everyday advising, UM TRIO SSS Services offers specific graduation fee waivers, free cap and gown rentals, and graduate school preparation.
- Montana Career Information System (MCIS): Utilize the state-sponsored Montana CIS Portal to map your current work history, take self-assessments, and discover exactly how your skills align with specific Montana industry demands.
- ELCS Career Competencies: Explore UM’s Career Competencies to see how your unique adaptability and problem-solving skills translate into high-value assets to top employers.
- ELCS Graduate Career Coaching: Schedule a specialized consultation with our office to structurally audit your academic background and translate specialized research into high-value sector competencies.
- UM Alumni Association: Use the University of Montana Alumni Association to actively search for and connect with alumni on their Griz Career Network. This community is full of eager UM Alums ready to mentor current students and share real-world industry insights.
- Curry Health Center Counseling: Your student health fees cover low-cost, professional mental health support. Stabilize your transitional stress and manage graduation burnout by scheduling a confidential session at the UM Curry Health Center.
UM Student Organizations & General Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
- Office of Student Success: Central hub for advising, tutoring, peer support, and graduation planning.
- The Writing Center: Tutoring to strengthen writing, presentation, and public speaking.
- Student Advocacy Resource Center: Confidential support for students facing harassment, discrimination, etc.
- Office of Disability Equity (ODE): Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
- Dean of Students Office: Provides crisis response, referrals, and conduct support.
- ASUM: Student government advocating and providing campus services.
- Griz Hub: Central hub for student events, clubs, organizations, and intramural teams.
- The Branch Center: Intercultural hub for identity groups, programs, and connection.
- Campus Recreation: Fitness, outdoor, and wellness activities for all students.
- Curry Health Services: Primary health care and wellness services for UM students. Includes general medicine, pharmacy, dental, counseling, and other wellness services.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Helps students navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Montana 10: Scholarship program offering academic, financial, & social support.
Explore Beyond UM
The organizations listed below are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
- Academic and Financial Support
- Montana University System Scholarships (Award Montana): administers need- and merit-based state scholarships and grants covering up to full tuition—key support for Pell-eligible students.
- Clearwater Credit Union: provides free financial education (budgeting, credit, and student financing) to enhance financial literacy among Pell-eligible students.
- Career Support:
- Missoula Job Service: a local employment hub providing recruitment, interview facilities, and HR guidance—ideal for first-gen students seeking work opportunities.
- Missoula Works: connects individuals facing employment barriers with temporary and permanent jobs—great for Pell-eligible students building work experience.
- Express Employment Professionals – Missoula: offers free online professional training (software, safety) and certifications via ExpressLearn, Workplace Pro, and Job Genius.
- Education and Social Support
- The Lifelong Learning Center: offers certifications in trades and technical fields—an essential resource for quick entry job training.
- Missoula Women’s Business Network: fosters a supportive community where women connect, learn, and access resources to enhance their personal and professional growth.
- Missoula Young Professionals: provides civic involvement opportunities designed to engage the next generation of leaders through networking and volunteer events that aid in professional and personal development.
- DeBruce Foundation Graduation Toolkit: A comprehensive, free toolkit with career readiness guides, networking tips, and job search tools targeted to graduates
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE): provides the gold-standard for career competencies, internship pipelines, and employer-engagement frameworks
- Career Launch: is an evidence-based program with social capital development and competency benchmarking for job readiness
- American Graduate: Jobs Explained: is a PBS-backed public media initiative offering media-rich career guidance for those exiting academics.