Career Center
Career Center and Resources
At the Azusa Pacific University Career Center, we believe your career is more than a paycheck—it is a platform for your purpose. Our approach is summarized in our motto:
Discover Your Calling. Develop Your Career. Define Your Future.
Our Mission
We are here to empower you. Our team is dedicated to helping students and alumni discover their calling, develop their professional gifts and talents, and define their future as Difference Makers in a dynamic world. Whether you are a freshman exploring your interests, a senior preparing for your first big role, or a graduate navigating a career transition, we provide the tools and guidance to turn your potential into professional readiness.
Our Vision
To cultivate a legacy of purpose-driven leaders who navigate their fields of service with confidence and integrity, thriving in careers defined by their unique, God-given calling.
Why We Do It
Because the world doesn’t just need more employees—it needs leaders who are grounded in their values and excellent in their craft. We are committed to walking alongside you throughout your entire professional journey, bridging the gap between your education and a lifetime of meaningful impact.
The Career Center offers resources, workshops, events, and career consultation appointments to support students and alumni in their professional endeavors.
Handshake
Handshake is APU’s career platform for all students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) and alumni to connect with businesses and organizations for jobs and internships, as well as book appointments at the center.
To access your Handshake account for the first time, use your APU Home portal sign-in information. For more information or help setting up your account, email [email protected].
Federal Work-Study
Federal work-study is a need-based government program granted to students who qualify. Students must work on campus to receive the federal work-study award.
Learn More about Federal Work Study
Job Location and Development Program
The Job Location and Development Program at APU exists to expand off-campus job opportunities for our students, regardless of their financial need, and to encourage students to participate in local community service activities. The JLD Program is a part of the Federal Work-Study Program and is government funded.
Submit Student Information Survey
Resources
The Handshake Resources Library is a comprehensive collection of information for commonly-asked questions. Search here for interview tips, resume writing guides, and more professional resources in our Handshake Resources Library.
Events
To find out about upcoming Career Center events, visit APU’s Handshake Events page.
In order to support students beyond their academic experience, the center provides multiple resources for alumni to make connections within their industry and the APU community.
- Handshake: All APU alumni are welcome to access Handshake. Use this platform to find resources for professional development, view our events calendar, and connect with other alumni.
- APU Connect: This alumni network allows you to reconnect with old classmates and utilize the trusted Azusa Pacific environment to expand your professional network.
Resources
The Handshake Resources Library is a comprehensive collection of information for commonly-asked questions. Search here for interview tips, resume writing guides, and more professional resources in our Handshake Resources Library.
Events
To find out about upcoming Career Center and employer center events, visit APU’s Handshake Events page.
Workshop Offerings
Faculty and staff may request in-person, virtual, or pre-recorded workshops through completing the Career Collaboration Request Form.
Career Center Overview (15 minutes)
- Services and How to Access Resources
Career Branding Workshop (60 or 75 minutes)
- Résumé, LinkedIn, and Handshake Review
Landing the Job (60 or 75 minutes)
- Networking and Interviewing Skills (Prep & Questions)
PathwayU 101 (60 or 75 minutes)
- Career Exploration for a Purpose Filled Life
Custom Career Center Workshop (60 or 75 minutes)
- Customize with 3 topics: Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn, Handshake Review, Personal Statement, Curriculum Vitae (CV), Portfolio, Networking, Internship/Job Search, Interview Prep, Interview Questions, & Salary Negotiation
Resources
The Handshake Resources Library is a comprehensive collection of information for commonly-asked questions. Search here for interview tips, resume writing guides, and more professional resources in our Handshake Resources Library.
Events
To find out about upcoming Career Center and employer center events, visit APU’s Handshake Events page.
The center supports students and alumni by providing regular opportunities to connect with employers in broad and varying fields. Through career, internship, and graduate school fairs, employers and students can expand their network and benefit from mutual growth.
Learn more about Azusa Pacific University.
Post an Internship or Job
The Handshake online platform is designed to inform students and alumni of employment and event opportunities within your organization. For the best results, it’s important that job and internship listings are kept up to date. To set up or manage your profile, follow these steps:
- Go to app.joinhandshake.com.
- If you have an established account, you can log in on the top right. If not, please register.
- Complete or update your company profile and contact information.
- Upon approval by the center, you can post, edit, close, or repost jobs and events available in your organization. You can also receive online applications and request résumés directly through the platform.
For detailed instructions on setting up your account, or to view our job posting policy and best practices for recruiting students, see our Handshake Employer Guide.
Note: It can take up to 48 hours for your employer profile to be reviewed, and an additional 48 hours for your position to post on Handshake. If any information is missing or unclear, a representative from our office will contact you for additional details.
Events
To find out about upcoming Career Center events, visit APU’s Handshake Events page.
By the Numbers
Careers in Action
Alumni Feature: Austin Kramer ’22 Creates Impact Through HealthGoGo
Austin Kramer ’22 is a man of many hats. Through several pivotal challenges, Kramer leaned on his faith to persevere and emerged on the other end ready to make an impact in the Los Angeles community.
Alumni Feature: Anthony Powell MA ’13, DMin ’25: From the Entertainment Industry to Church Planting
Anthony Powell, MA ’13, DMin ’25, serves as lead and founding pastor at Redeemed Life Church in Azusa, California, which was launched on January 31, 2016.
Veteran Lucas Naccarati ’25: A Mission-Driven Path to Business Success
From deciding to join the U.S. Marine Corps to selling his first business to starting a new one and investing his hard-earned capital, prayer and seeking guidance from the Lord are constant through lines in Naccarati’s life.
Alumni Feature: Carlos Garcia ’15 Inspires Others Through Ministry
Carlos Garcia ’15 aims to inspire the next generation of Christian leaders. Garcia’s full time job is serving as an information technology specialist for the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground (YPG), and he also lives out his calling as a youth leader and worship pastor at Centro Familiar Cristiano Buenas Nuevas in Somerton, Arizona.
Alumni Feature: Chris Tansey ’14 Utilizes Experience in Ministry to Open Gecko Climbing Gym
Chris Tansey ’10, MDiv ’14, knew that he wanted to share God’s love through ministry, and his time as a youth pastor guided him to achieving another dream of opening a rock climbing gym.
Alumni Feature: Kaitlin Hook ’12 Lifts Others’ Stories Through Marketing Campaigns
In her sophomore year, Hook participated in the study away program which brought together journalism majors from Christian universities around the country. “APU entrusts their students to go into the world with a foundation of reflecting Jesus’ love. Being given that trust helped me expand my worldview and the potential of what my calling would be,” she said.
Alumni Feature: Travis Davis ’11 Advocates for Disability Awareness
When alumnus Travis Davis ’11 transferred to Azusa Pacific University, the trajectory of his life and career path completely changed, opening up opportunities to help countless people with disabilities. Davis was born with cerebral palsy and has spent his life in a wheelchair. He never intended to become a disability advocate, but a single interaction ignited a passion for changing how people with disabilities are seen and how they live.
Alumni Feature: Jerrold Johnson ’93 Builds a Brighter Future for Jamaican Construction
Jerrold Johnson ’93 has lived in America, Canada, and Jamaica, and after finally settling down in Jamaica, he made it his goal to bring hope and prosperity to his community through his business. Through many unexpected twists and turns in life and various job opportunities, Johnson has adopted a purpose over profit mindset that allows him to live in a way that glorifies God.
Alumni Feature: Rolando Robles ’22 Puts Faith Into Action in His Business
As a student at Citrus College, Rolando Robles ’22 planned to continue working with the high school girl’s basketball team he coached after graduation. When he made a friend who attended Azusa Pacific University just down the street from Citrus, Robles was encouraged to read the Bible, beginning his faith journey and the start of new career goals.
Alumni Feature: Monica Rodriguez, MAEd ’19, Brings Her Strong Faith To Hollywood
Sometimes God’s plans for us change the entire trajectory of our careers, and for Monica Rodriguez, MAEd ’19, her plan to work as a school counselor led her to working in Hollywood with the world’s biggest brands and A-list talent.
Contact Information
Wilden Hall, Suite 200, East Campus
