Get help with your professional network with NAU Career Development Accordion Closed
It might feel like you’re on your own in your job search, but NAU Career Development can help you to leverage your professional network in the pursuit of your next role. Studies have shown that as much as 85% of jobs are filled through networking connections. While there are components of the decision-making process that are more challenging to measure as technology advances, the point is that networking is an important skill to have in your professional toolbox and deserving of attention as an influential factor in a job search. Though not all of us are social butterflies, professional networking is indeed a skill anyone can learn, and NAU Career Development is here to support with online resources, one-on-one appointments, and group workshops.
People have networks built out of the people that are in their lives right now, that they see frequently, and with whom they share similar interests. We rely on our networks for support in our personal and professional lives, and they consist of strong ties and weak ties. Strong ties are people we know well and are often in contact with (friends, family, coworkers). Weak ties are people we know but do not know well (teachers, past colleagues, classmates, people we’ve met at conferences, fairs, or interviews). Blending our personal and professional networks, our strong and weak ties, creates a strategic network that helps us to envision our future career and get support in pursuing it. NAU Career Development can assist you with keeping track of and engaging with your strategic network using LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking site. We can guide you in setting up your profile, help you in deciding what details to share about yourself and what experience sections to fill out to most effectively market your skills to hiring managers, recruiters and other professionals.
We’ll review your resume and discuss your experiences and goals to identify opportunities to provide more detail on in your LinkedIn profile, experience sections, or even by creating posts. We’ll help you connect with thought leaders in your industry of choice, as well as tools to connect with NAU alumni, and strategies to maximize the impressions your posts make on others’ timelines. Considering reaching out to people on LinkedIn or attending a career fair? NAU Career Development can help you to create an “elevator pitch,” a 30-60 second introduction that summarizes your academic background, strengths, and goals that you can use to demonstrate professionalism and establish relationships. NAU students, faculty and staff can make a Job Search Strategies appointment (alumni, use the Alumni Career Advising appointment type and include a note with the support you need).
Check out Handshake to make an appointment!
Recognizing excellence: NAU’s Student Employment Awards Accordion Closed
Each spring, Northern Arizona University (NAU) celebrates the hard work and achievements of its student employees and supervisors through the Student Employment Awards program. These awards highlight the positive impact of student employment and the skills students gain to prepare for their future careers. NACE Career Readiness Competencies are skills central to the awards program and guide how we evaluate student and supervisor achievements.
What Are the NACE Career Readiness Competencies?
The Student Employment Awards are guided by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies. These are the key skills that help students succeed in the workplace and beyond. NAU uses these competencies to assess and grow the skills of student employees.
The eight NACE Career Readiness Competencies are:
- Career and self-development: Taking steps to grow your career and learn new skills.
- Communication: Sharing ideas clearly and listening to others.
- Critical thinking: Using logic to solve problems and make decisions.
- Equity and inclusion: Creating a fair and welcoming space for everyone.
- Leadership: Using strengths to help a team reach its goals.
- Professionalism: Acting responsibly and working hard.
- Teamwork: Working well with others to achieve shared goals.
- Technology: Using tools and technology to complete tasks.
Award categories and selection
The awards recognize excellence in three areas:
- Outstanding student employee
- Outstanding student employee team
- Outstanding student employee supervisor
Nominations are open to all eligible students and supervisors, and anyone can submit a nomination, including self-nominations. A committee of staff and students reviews nominations using a rubric based on the NACE competencies. This ensures a fair and consistent process that highlights professionalism, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Timeline for the 2024/2025 awards
- Nominations open: February 17, 2024
- Nominations close: March 21, 2024
- Winners announced: Week of April 21, 2024
Award presentation
Winners will be surprised at their workplace with an award presentation and will also be featured on the university website to celebrate their accomplishments.
How to get involved
NAU invites everyone to take part in the Student Employment Awards. You can nominate a student, team, or supervisor. This is a great way to recognize the hard work and dedication of our campus community.
The Student Employment Awards are more than just an event—they show how student employment helps students gain real-world skills. These awards celebrate the effort and growth of student employees and supervisors while promoting the importance of career readiness.
Visit the Student Employment awards page for more information or to submit a nomination.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact StudentEmployment@nau.edu.
It’s not too late: Plan your next internship with us Accordion Closed
Check out these exciting opportunities that are still open for application!
Disney College Program recruitment
Disney will be visiting campus from Monday, March 3rd to Tuesday, March 4th to recruit for the Disney College Program. They will be hosting an information session, conducting class visits, and offering career fair preparation.
You can view all Disney-related events and register on Handshake.
TSMC internship opportunities
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is hiring interns for a variety of roles at their new plant this summer. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply for internships in areas such as Legal, Design Research, and Engineering.
Apply through the TSMC website: TSMC Careers
Undergraduate & Graduate Research Symposiums
If you enjoy research, consider participating in the Undergraduate and Graduate Symposiums! You’ll have the opportunity to create a poster and present on a topic that interests you. Registration is open now through late March.
For more information on how to submit a presentation, visit the following websites:
Field trip to the Arizona State Capitol
Curious about interning at the Arizona State Capitol? Join us for a field trip on April 4th to get an inside look at a day in the life of an intern during the legislative session. Lunch will be included.
Learn more and register here: Arizona State Capitol Field Trip
Need Personalized Help?
If you’d like personalized assistance, schedule a one-on-one appointment with our Internship Coordinator, Tyler Lawhead, on Handshake under the ‘Internship Exploration’ appointment type: Book an Appointment on Handshake
Drop-in hours
Don’t forget, we have drop-in hours Monday-Thursday at the Career Development Office, located on the 2nd floor of the University Union in the Fieldhouse.
Thanks, and go Jacks!
Tyler Lawhead
Upcoming Career events Accordion Closed
Have you checked out Career Coffee Corner yet? Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, we invite an employer to the University Union, giving Lumberjacks the chance to meet face-to-face with employers from various industries right here on campus. It’s a relaxed, informal setting where you can enjoy a coffee and have a chat. Whether you’re curious about a specific industry or exploring potential career opportunities, it’s a great place to start. No need to worry—just come as you are and bring your curiosity. Last semester, we welcomed 25 employers from a range of industries to help students connect with exciting career opportunities! Be sure to check the Career Coffee Corner calendar regularly, as we add new employers each week.
We also have TWO more career fairs coming up this semester!
- Looking for a full-time job or considering grad school? Don’t miss the NAU Career & Graduate School Fair on March 27, 2025.
- Prefer to network virtually? You can register for the NAU Virtual Career Fair on April 3, 2025.
See you at the ‘fair’!
Best,
Nicole Tuchscherer
- Career Fairs – These are multi-recruiter events hosted by us and various NAU colleges.
- Career Center employer events – This includes opportunities like Career Coffee Corner and employer seminars.
- Career Center guidance events – Join us for drop-in hours, workshops, and informative sessions such as the Internships Information Session.
- Company-hosted events – These include field trips and company-led information sessions.
Be sure to check them all out!