Student Safety & Opportunity Guide

At the Impact Center, we connect students with a wide range of opportunities including internships, jobs, events, and networking experiences. Many of these are hosted by external employers and organizations.

We want you to feel confident exploring these opportunities, while also making informed decisions.


Understanding External Opportunities

Some opportunities shared through the Impact Center are hosted by organizations outside of Muskingum University.

These may include:

  • Job and internship postings
  • Employer-hosted events
  • Networking opportunities
  • Conferences, workshops, or training programs

While we make every effort to share relevant opportunities, these are not sponsored or endorsed by Muskingum University.


How to Evaluate an Opportunity

Before applying or participating, take a few minutes to research:

The Organization

  • Do they have a professional website?
  • Is there clear contact information?
  • Can you find them on LinkedIn or other reputable platforms?

The Role or Event

  • Are the responsibilities clearly explained?
  • Does the opportunity align with your goals?
  • Are expectations realistic and professional?

Compensation & Costs

  • Is the position paid or unpaid?
  • Are there any upfront costs? (Be cautious—legitimate employers rarely require payment to apply or participate.)

Warning Signs to Watch For

Be cautious if you notice:

  • Requests for payment, gift cards, or financial information upfront
  • Vague job descriptions or unclear responsibilities
  • Communication from personal email accounts instead of company domains
  • Pressure to act quickly or accept an offer immediately
  • Opportunities that seem “too good to be true”

If something feels off, trust your instincts.


Protecting Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive information unless you are confident in the legitimacy of the employer.

Be cautious with:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank account or direct deposit information
  • Copies of personal documents

These should only be provided after you have verified the employer and accepted a formal offer.


Using the Impact Center as a Resource

We can help you:

  • Review job or internship opportunities
  • Research employers
  • Prepare questions before applying or interviewing
  • Talk through any concerns

Using AI to Evaluate Opportunities

  • Ask AI tools to summarize job descriptions
  • Use AI to generate questions to ask employers
  • Compare similar roles to understand typical expectations

Reporting a Concern

If you encounter a questionable opportunity or have a negative experience, please let us know.

Your feedback helps protect other students and ensures we continue sharing high-quality opportunities.