Is Your Student Career Ready?

by Janelle Andreini

While your student might be laser focused on classes and campus life, the hands-on work experiences they build now can open doors to exciting professional opportunities after graduation. 

Here are some ways your student can build professional experiences right now. 

• Internships 
  Students get to “test-drive” potential careers as interns. Whether it’s a semester at a local business or a full-time summer role at a national corporation, internships help students build practical skills and make important connections. The Career Center can help your student research postings, craft a resume and prepare for interviews.
• Part-time jobs 
  Part-time positions teach students to manage their time, collaborate and solve problems—qualities employers value. Even when jobs seem unrelated to a student’s major, these experiences demonstrate their reliability, work ethic and professionalism. Jobs in related fields are even better.
• Volunteering
  Volunteerism is about more than helping others. It’s about developing leadership, communication and organizational skills. From mentoring younger students to assisting with community projects, volunteering helps your student stand out to employers and graduate schools.
• On-campus involvement 
  By joining student organizations, serving as a student instructor, or conducting research on campus, your student can build their network, develop marketable skills and discover hidden interests. 

Your support makes all the difference. Here are ways you can help your student.

• Talk to them about their career goals and practical steps they can take to achieve them.
• Encourage them to search and apply for professional opportunities on Handshake.
• Suggest they attend NWU’s version of a career fair, Backpack to Briefcase, on February 27. Employers come to recruit NWU students!
• Refer your student to people in your networks, and encourage them to tap our alumni community through the Career Assistance Network.
• Celebrate their achievements and remind them that every experience is a building block. 

Janelle Andreini is assistant dean for student success and career development.