Industry Connections Development Intern (Student Assistant - FWS)

University of South Florida; Tampa (FL); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The Industry Connections Development Intern (Student Assistant - FWS) at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, offers hands-on work within the Industry to Campus Connection team. You’ll engage with employers, help run information sessions, and support career fairs while developing professional communications and CRM skills.

As a degree-seeking student, you’ll gain experience in internship development, event management, and market research, contributing to USF’s broad network of industry

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program.
• Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of South Florida.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Support employer engagement initiatives by assisting with employer recruitment efforts, job promotion campaigns, information sessions, on-campus interviews, networking events, and career fairs.
• Assist in managing employer communications by monitoring the RecruitUSF employer inbox, responding to inquiries, routing requests to appropriate staff, and providing exceptional customer service.
• Review employer job postings, internships, and event requests in Handshake to ensure alignment with university guidelines and quality standards before approval.
• Support the growth and expansion of the Community Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program by assisting with employer and nonprofit partner communications, maintaining participant records, and helping connect eligible students with meaningful community-based employment opportunities.
• Assist with employer marketing and engagement strategies through the newsletters, promotional content, employer spotlights, and other communications that strengthen partnerships with industry.
• Conduct market research on employment trends, internship opportunities, employer hiring needs, and workforce development initiatives to support strategic outreach efforts.
• Represent the student perspective by providing feedback on employer engagement strategies, student interests, and campus trends to help improve employer programming and recruitment initiatives.
• Complete additional projects and initiatives that support employer partnerships, internship development, and career readiness programming as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Written communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma

Enrollment as degree-seeking student

Tools

Microsoft Office

Handshake

CRM systems

Data management tools

Canva

Job description

Industry Connections Development Intern (Student Assistant - FWS)

Tampa, FL, United States

• Job Identification 44205
• Job Category Admin Support
• Degree Level High School Graduate
• Locations 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US
• Hiring Salary $15.00 per hour

Job Description

The Industry Connection Development Intern serves as a member of the Industry to Campus Connection (Employer Relations) team within the Center for Career & Professional Development. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in employer engagement, internship development, event management, customer relationship management, and professional communications while supporting initiatives that connect employers with University of South Florida students.

About the Industry to Campus Connection (ICC) Team:

The Industry to Campus Connections team in the Center for Career and Professional Development seamlessly cultivates high-quality opportunities and connections for USF Bulls by driving employer success through team cohesion, innovation, and strategic partnership. The ICC team coordinates and supports the success of USF’s 70,000 employer, internship, and graduate school relationships bringing students over 10,000 job/internship opportunities every month and 600+ industry partners visiting USF to recruit annually.

Responsibilities

• Support employer engagement initiatives by assisting with employer recruitment efforts, job promotion campaigns, information sessions, on-campus interviews, networking events, and career fairs.
• Assist in managing employer communications by monitoring the RecruitUSF employer inbox, responding to inquiries, routing requests to appropriate staff, and providing exceptional customer service.
• Review employer job postings, internships, and event requests in Handshake to ensure alignment with university guidelines and quality standards before approval.
• Support the growth and expansion of the Community Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program by assisting with employer and nonprofit partner communications, maintaining participant records, and helping connect eligible students with meaningful community-based employment opportunities.
• Assist with employer marketing and engagement strategies through the newsletters, promotional content, employer spotlights, and other communications that strengthen partnerships with industry.
• Conduct market research on employment trends, internship opportunities, employer hiring needs, and workforce development initiatives to support strategic outreach efforts.
• Represent the student perspective by providing feedback on employer engagement strategies, student interests, and campus trends to help improve employer programming and recruitment initiatives.
• Complete additional projects and initiatives that support employer partnerships, internship development, and career readiness programming as assigned.

Learning Outcomes

After the completion of this internship, the student will leave with:

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with employers, community organizations, and campus partners through effective verbal and written communication while demonstrating professionalism and customer service.
• Demonstrate an understanding of employer recruitment strategies by identifying prospective employer partners, conducting outreach, and supporting initiatives that expand internship and employment opportunities for students.
• Research labor market trends, internship opportunities, employer hiring practices, and workforce needs to make informed recommendations that strengthen employer engagement initiatives.
• Evaluate employer programs and recruitment strategies from the student perspective while contributing ideas that improve access to internships, employment opportunities, and career development experiences for diverse student populations.
• Develop proficiency in professional software platforms such as Handshake, Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and data management tools to organize information, manage employer records, and support departmental operations.

Hours & Compensation

• Flexible work hours are available between 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday
• 15-20 hours per week
• $15 per hour

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be eligible to participate in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program.
• Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the University of South Florida.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in employer relations, career services, human resources, recruiting, business, marketing, or communications.
• Previous experience in customer service, leadership, student organizations, or volunteer work is preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); experience with Handshake or Canva is a plus.
• Willingness to learn new technology and contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.