How to Find a Job as a Texas Student When You're New to the State?

[CheryD]

Hey y'all! (Trying to fit in already!) I just moved from Ohio for school, and I'm loving Texas so far – the food, the people, the sunshine! But I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to the job search. Back home, I knew all the local companies and had family connections. Here? I'm starting from zero.

So I'm reaching out to ask: how to find a job as a Texas student when you don't know the local landscape yet? I've been poking around on Handshake through my university portal , and I see some opportunities there. Someone also mentioned WorkinTexas.com, which apparently has thousands of postings including state agency jobs . Has anyone used that successfully?

I'm an engineering major, so I'm hoping to find something technical, maybe an internship for next summer. I noticed my school posts specific career fairs for engineering and tech – are those actually worth attending? Like, do companies genuinely hire from them, or is it just marketing?

Also – and this might sound silly – how do I even talk to Texas employers? Is the vibe more formal or casual? I don't want to mess up my first impression! Any tips for a transplant trying to make it in the Lone Star State would be SO appreciated!

 

[Laura]

Chery, your "starting from zero" feeling is totally normal, but the Texas job market is incredibly welcoming to newcomers. Here's your game plan:

1. Leverage Your University Resources:
Your school's Handshake portal is your secret weapon. It's where employers specifically targeting your university post jobs . The career fairs you mentioned? Absolutely attend them. They are prime opportunities to make connections. At a recent Texas A&M engineering fair, students connected with recruiters from Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Honeywell, Dow, Monument Chemical, and Olin—all actively seeking Aggies .

2. Tap Into Statewide Resources:
WorkInTexas.com is a powerhouse you shouldn't ignore. It's a free service that lets you search thousands of jobs, including all state agency positions, and it will even alert you when new jobs match your skills .

3. Networking is Everything:
Since you don't have local connections yet, you have to build them. Don't be shy—attend those career fairs and engineering society meetings. A Texas A&M-Corpus Christi event specifically helped students connect with companies like Tesla and ArcelorMittal, proving these events work .

The culture is friendly, so just be yourself and show your passion for engineering.