Career Services welcomes both new students as well as those returning to complete their education.

While attending classes, completing assignments and engaging in the activities that make up college life, you should take advantage of the opportunity to prepare for the world of work. Career preparation is as vital to you as good grades and a social life.

Graduation will come sooner than you think, and Career Services can enrich your education by offering to assist you in getting work experience in the skills that employers seek. Those skills are verbal and written communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills. Other talents that you can bring to an employer are honesty and a strong work ethic.

Whether you are a freshman, upperclassman or graduate student, Career Services can assist you in getting experiences in career development activities, such as cooperative education, internships, part and full-time jobs, resume development and online resume critiques and interviewing techniques.

There are career-related workshops and career fairs that provide opportunities to meet prospective employers and engage in on-campus interviews with employers.

Career Services is centrally located on campus in Room 220 of the Campus Life Building. Career counseling with individuals is a priority and appointments can be made by calling 753-1641. Help can also be attained during scheduled walk-in hours on Tuesday and Wednesday between noon and 4 p.m.

Additional information can be found about career opportunities for your major in the Career Resource Center and at www.niu.edu/crc/major/weblink.htm. A free, online job search management program is available at www.niu.edu/careerservices where you can activate your Victor eRecruiting account. Once your account has been activated you can research potential employers and available internships and jobs for which you can apply.

Students who plan to graduate this year should visit Career Services as soon as practical to receive the assistance necessary to find a job. There are job fairs to help land the job that meets your major. A university wide job fair is scheduled for Sept. 28 for those seeking permanent employment after graduation. A fair on Oct. 5 will be held for those seeking experience in their major or career path prior to graduation in cooperative education positions and internships. Both fairs will be held in the Convocation Center.

Volunteer opportunities and part-time jobs are also available and listed with the Job Location and Development Office. Local agencies and employers seek NIU students to participate in projects, programs and special events. Participation in these activities provides students with hands-on work experience while helping others.

Don’t procrastinate; make it a point to use the many services of Career Services.

Douglas Q. Davis

Director Career Services