The Career Services Department welcomes you to Northern Illinois University.

We hope the education you receive at NIU will lead you to a successful career and that you will allow us to help you pursue the career path that’s right for you.

We encourage you to think of your academic experience in much the same way you would think about a job. You will be successful when you tend to the basics and work on the skills and qualities employers are seeking:

– Verbal and written communication skills

– Honesty and integrity

– Teamwork skills

– Interpersonal skills

– Strong work ethic

There are things you can begin to work on as freshmen that will assist you in preparing for the job market. An important step is engaging in an internship or cooperative education experience. The process for finding a co-op or internship with Career Services is as follow:

1. Register with Career Services online and upload a resumé at www.niu.edu/careerservices.

2. Attend an orientation session (call 815-753-1641).

3. Make an appointment to see a career counselor in your major to begin the process.

4. Schedule a follow-up meeting with your career counselor to receive information about jobs, proof your resumé and assist with a job strategies.

Career Services offers the following services to all NIU students:

– Helping students choose majors; NIU Majors Weblinks at www.niu.edu/crc/major/Weblink.htm

– Individual career planning and counseling

– Resumé and cover letter preparation and critiquing

– Job searching and employment – internships – full and part time employment

– On-campus interviewing and recruiting

– Workshops

– Networking

– Credential services

– Graduate and professional school applications

– Job fairs

– Career Resource Center (walk-in hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m.) located in Campus Life Building, Room 235.

Learn more about these and other career-related activities at www.niu.edu/careerservices or call 815-753-1641 to arrange an appointment. Career Services is located in Campus Life Building, Room 220.