Get Ready for the Backpack to Briefcase Student Employer Reception

The Career Center is hosting its biggest event of the year, Backpack to Briefcase, on Thursday, February 22 from 3-5 p.m. in the Great Hall of Smith-Curtis. More than 40 employers will attend with the goal of hiring NWU students for internships and full-time positions. Some employers also have part-time jobs available.

This is an important event for all students. Employer and industry research is a crucial part of career planning. It helps students understand how they want to use their interests, skills and values in the professional world. Backpack to Briefcase gives students a valuable opportunity to explore those questions by interacting, in one location, with multiple employers from several industries.

One of our goals in the Career Center is to teach students how to conduct an effective job or internship search. We also want to help students make those first connections with employers. This event allows NWU students to interact with potential employers, learn more about local and regional opportunities and discover how marketable academic and cocurricular experiences are in the workforce.

Students don’t have to attend the whole time, and business professional or business casual attire is appropriate. The first 75 students to register on Handshake AND attend will receive a professional NWU leather portfolio. Encourage your student to check out Handshake for a list of participating employers.

They can also connect with the Career Center to prepare for the event. Our staff can help to ensure students attend the event with strong networking skills and a strong resume. It’s never too early to contemplate post-graduation plans, and this event is ideally suited to help students explore career opportunities.

Career Center counselors can help students explore career and major options, conduct a job/internship search, create a resume/cover letter, practice interviewing skills, apply to graduate/professional schools and much more.

Janelle Andreini (‘94) is assistant dean for student success and career development.