{"id":6937,"date":"2025-08-14T16:23:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:23:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/?p=6937"},"modified":"2025-08-15T23:02:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T23:02:11","slug":"the-nau-career-compass-september-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/the-nau-career-compass-september-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"The NAU Career Compass, September 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"ql-align-center\"><!-- shortcode-block-quote -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-block-quote shortcode-block-quote--center\">\n    <div class=\"shortcode-block-quote__inner-container\">\n        <span>Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.\n\u2014 Bobby Unser<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <a class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Level up your future: network smarter, not harder, from day one_0\" href=\"#\">\n      <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n          <h4>Level up your future: network smarter, not harder, from day one <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n          <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\">\n        <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body>\n<p>Welcome to the new school year, Lumberjacks! As that back-to-school feeling is giving major &ldquo;new beginnings&rdquo; vibes, now is the time to think beyond your classes and start building something invaluable: your professional network.<\/p>\n<p>You might be thinking, &ldquo;Professional network? I&rsquo;m just trying to make it through my 8 AMs!&rdquo; But trust us, the connections you make now will lay a strong foundation for your future success, both during your NAU career and long after graduation.<\/p>\n<p>Think of your network as your main character support system, your inspo source, and your VIP pass to opportunities. And the best part? NAU is absolutely teeming with potential connections. Here&rsquo;s how you can start building your Lumberjack network right away:<\/p>\n<h5>1. Introduce Yourself!<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Classmates:<\/strong> You&rsquo;ll be spending a lot of time with them! Introduce yourself, collaborate on projects, and study together. These connections can become your ride-or-die study buddies, future colleagues, and lifelong friends.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Faculty:<\/strong> Your professors are experts in their fields with a wealth of knowledge and connections. Attend office hours, ask questions, and engage in class discussions. They can be incredible mentors and spill the tea on your chosen field.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Staff:<\/strong> From Academic Advisors to the friendly faces at various campus offices, staff members play a vital role in the NAU community. Don&rsquo;t hesitate to introduce yourself and build rapport. You never know when their guidance or knowledge might come in clutch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>2. Find your people on true blue connects:<\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/nau.campuslabs.com\/engage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">True Blue Connects<\/a>&nbsp;is your hub for discovering student clubs and organizations aligned with your interests, hobbies, and career aspirations. Joining a club is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals, level-up your leadership skills, and expand your network in a fun and low-pressure environment.<\/p>\n<h5>3. Give back through Axe of Service:<\/h5>\n<p>Volunteering through <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/center-for-service-and-volunteerism\/axe-of-service\/\">Axe of Service<\/a> is not only a rewarding way to contribute to the Flagstaff community, but it also provides opportunities to meet other passionate students, faculty, and community members who care about making a difference. Shared experiences for a good cause can forge strong connections.<\/p>\n<h5>4. Explore student employment on Handshake:<\/h5>\n<p>Looking for a job on campus or in Flagstaff? <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/handshake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handshake<\/a>, NAU&rsquo;s career services platform, is your go-to resource. Beyond finding employment, these positions allow you to flex valuable skills, gain professional experience, and build relationships with supervisors and colleagues within the university.<\/p>\n<h5>5. Get connected on LinkedIn:<\/h5>\n<p>Create a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a>&nbsp;profile &ndash; your online professional presence. Think of it as a digital business card where you can showcase your skills, experiences, and connect with classmates, faculty, staff, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest. Start by connecting with people you already know.<\/p>\n<div class=\"eplus-bg-color-row bg-color-dark-blue\"><div class=\"eplus-bg-color-row-content\">NAU&rsquo;s <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/\">Career Development<\/a> team is here to support you in all your career-related endeavors, including building your professional network. We offer a range of services designed to help you thrive such as our resume review Dropbox and one-on-one appointments. We look forward to helping connect you to a meaningful career that supports your dream life!<\/div><\/div>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <a class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"How to apply for on-campus jobs (and stand out doing it)_0\" href=\"#\">\n      <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n          <h4>How to apply for on-campus jobs (and stand out doing it) <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n          <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\">\n        <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body>\n<p>Looking for a campus job? Don&rsquo;t just click and hope&mdash;learn what top student candidates do differently. Hint: it&rsquo;s more than just uploading a resume.<\/p>\n<p>Campus jobs are a great way to earn money, gain real-world experience, and build your resume&mdash;all without leaving campus. Whether you&rsquo;re working in the library, helping out at an event, or joining a research team, on-campus jobs teach skills that go far beyond the hourly wage.<\/p>\n<p>Here&rsquo;s how to apply (and stand out) using <strong>Handshake<\/strong>&mdash;your go-to platform for student employment.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Start with the right search<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>First things first: head to <a href=\"https:\/\/nau.joinhandshake.com\/edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handshake<\/a>. Once you&rsquo;re logged in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Filter by location and select &ldquo;On-Campus&rdquo; or your specific university department<\/li>\n<li>Use keywords related to your interests or major<\/li>\n<li>Sort by application deadlines so you don&rsquo;t miss out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Pro tip: Save your search to get alerts when new jobs are posted!<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Prepare your application materials<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Most on-campus positions will require three key documents:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Your resume<\/strong>\n<ol>\n<li>Tailor it to highlight relevant experiences&mdash;even if they&rsquo;re from clubs, volunteering, or class projects<\/li>\n<li>Include NACE competencies like teamwork, communication, professionalism, and critical thinking<\/li>\n<li>List campus involvement, like student organizations or leadership roles&mdash;they matter!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>A cover letter<\/strong>\n<ol>\n<li>Customize it for each job<\/li>\n<li>Explain why you&rsquo;re interested and what skills you bring<\/li>\n<li>Keep it professional but show your personality<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Your availability form<\/strong>\n<ol>\n<li>Be honest about your schedule<\/li>\n<li>Include class times, extracurriculars, and preferred working hours<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Need help creating or polishing any of these? Our Career Development team can help with personalized support.<\/p>\n<h5>Why NACE competencies matter<\/h5>\n<p>The <strong>National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)<\/strong> has identified key career-readiness skills that employers look for&mdash;skills you&rsquo;re already developing through campus jobs.<\/p>\n<p>When you apply, try highlighting how your experiences reflect these competencies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Teamwork<\/strong> &ndash; collaborating with peers during events or projects<\/li>\n<li><strong>Communication<\/strong> &ndash; writing clear emails or interacting with customers<\/li>\n<li><strong>Problem-solving<\/strong> &ndash; troubleshooting tech or organizing events<\/li>\n<li><strong>Professionalism<\/strong> &ndash; showing up on time and meeting expectations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Hiring managers notice when you connect your experiences to real skills.<\/p>\n<h5>Make your application count<\/h5>\n<p>A few final tips to give you an edge:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Double-check your spelling and grammar<\/li>\n<li>Keep documents PDF-formatted and clearly labeled (e.g., FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)<\/li>\n<li>Follow up on applications if you don&rsquo;t hear back in 1&ndash;2 weeks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5>Ready to apply?<\/h5>\n<p>Campus jobs are competitive&mdash;but with the right strategy, you&rsquo;ll stand out. Use Handshake wisely, get support from Career Development, and remember: each job is a step toward your future career.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Got questions?<\/strong> Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/\">nau.edu\/career<\/a> or swing by our office&mdash;we&rsquo;re here to help!<\/p>\n<!-- shortcode-button -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-button shortcode-button--center\">\n      <a class=\"main-button\" href=\"https:\/\/nau.joinhandshake.com\/edu\" target=\"_blank\">Handshake<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <a class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Spring & summer 2026 internship deadlines are here_0\" href=\"#\">\n      <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n          <h4>Spring & summer 2026 internship deadlines are here <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n          <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\">\n        <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body>\n<p>NAU Career Development, located in room 242 on the 2nd floor of the Union above the Fieldhouse, is excited to share some opportunities for NAU students of all grade levels to find an internship that can get you paid, give you valuable on-the-job experience, and even provide academic credit. Here are some opportunities for 2026 that have upcoming dates and deadlines you DON&rsquo;T want to miss.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Want to actually make a difference? Applications are open to apply for the<strong> Arizona Legislative Internship Program (ALIP)<\/strong> for Spring 2026. This paid internship takes you to the capitol building in Phoenix where you&rsquo;ll spend the Spring semester working full-time with a legislative staff member gaining firsthand experience in policymaking, legislative research, and constituent services. This experience not only provides invaluable insights into the workings of state government, but also helps you develop critical skills in public administration, communication, and analysis. Participants in this program often find themselves well-prepared for careers in public service, law, and beyond. <a href=\"https:\/\/app.joinhandshake.com\/edu\/appointments\/new\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Make an appointment<\/a> with our Internship Coordinator, Tyler Lawhead to learn more about the program and start your application. Applications require a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a 300-word personal statement. Applications due <strong>Friday, September 19 by 5:00pm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Want to intern in D.C.? We are looking for students interested in applying for <strong>The Washington Center Academic Internship Program (TWC)<\/strong> for Summer 2026. Application period is September 15 through October 15 and you can submit your application materials including one letter of recommendation to <a href=\"mailto:tyler.lawhead@nau.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">tyler.lawhead@nau.edu<\/a>. All candidates will be notified of their acceptance by November 1, 2025. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/twc.edu\/programs\/academic-internship-program\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Washington Center<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Chat with recruiters while you grab some coffee and cookies right outside the Hotspot! Every <strong>Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday<\/strong> in the Union, Career Development hosts one recruiter on campus to chat with students about jobs and internships that they&rsquo;re hiring for. It&rsquo;s called <strong>Career Coffee Corner<\/strong>! Drop by next time you&rsquo;re grabbing lunch in the Union. Oh, and Tuesdays are typically internship day! You can also see all of <a href=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/career-coffee-corner\/\">Career Coffee Corner recruiters<\/a> coming for the entire semester on Handshake. You don&rsquo;t want to miss this event! If you&rsquo;d like one-on-one support with finding an internship, you can make an appointment with our office in <a href=\"https:\/\/nau.joinhandshake.com\/edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handshake<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Calling all Disney fans! Disney will be coming to campus on <strong>Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17<\/strong>&nbsp;to do some Disney-themed career workshops, tabling, and talk about the <strong>Disney College Program<\/strong> and how you can apply to start as soon as January 2026. Check <a href=\"https:\/\/nau.joinhandshake.com\/edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Handshake<\/a> for all upcoming events.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Thanks for reading and Go Jacks!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <a class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Join us at the Career & Graduate School Fair!_0\" href=\"#\">\n      <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n          <h4>Join us at the Career & Graduate School Fair! <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Accordion Closed<\/span><\/h4>\n          <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\">\n        <!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body>\n<p>Looking for internships, jobs, or graduate school opportunities? The NAU Career &amp; Graduate School Fair is your chance to take a bold step toward your future. Taking place on <strong>Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.<\/strong>&nbsp;at the University Union Fieldhouse, this open-house style event lets you drop by anytime between classes. With over 100 recruiters from employers and graduate programs across the country, it&rsquo;s a perfect opportunity to explore your options, expand your network, and get face time with decision-makers. Bring your resume&mdash;and a friend!<\/p>\n<p>According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), competencies like career and self-development, communication, professionalism, and critical thinking are <strong>keys to success in the job market<\/strong>. Attending events like the Career Fair directly supports these competencies by helping you practice introducing yourself, sharing your story, and learning how to interact in professional environments. Even if you&rsquo;re not quite ready to apply yet, simply showing up and engaging can build your confidence and help you refine your goals.<\/p>\n<p>Want to make the most of your experience? Prepare in advance by exploring the many resources available through NAU Career Development at nau.edu\/career. From resume tips and mock interviews to career coaching and free professional clothing in the Career Closet, everything you need is right at your fingertips. Whether you&rsquo;re exploring options, honing your career competencies, or ready to land your dream job, this is your moment&mdash;don&rsquo;t miss it!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-uncropped-large wp-image-6945\" src=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs-600x338.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs-600x338.png 600w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/204\/2025FA-CGSF-Digital-Signs.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"eplus-bg-color-row bg-color-dark-blue\"><div class=\"eplus-bg-color-row-content\">\n<p><strong>Handshake tip of the month:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Optimize your Handshake profile for Fall recruiting!<\/p>\n<p>As the fall recruiting season heats up, now\u2019s the perfect time to give your Handshake profile a refresh. Employers are actively searching for candidates\u2014students with complete profiles are 5x more likely to be messaged by recruiters.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Update your resume<\/li>\n<li>Add recent coursework or internships<\/li>\n<li>Highlight skills relevant to your career goals<\/li>\n<li>Turn on &#8220;Open to Work&#8221; so employers can find you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Small updates now can lead to big opportunities later. Log in and make sure you&#8217;re putting your best (digital) foot forward!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- shortcode-right-column -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-right-column\" >\n    <div class=\"shortcode-right-column__container\">\n<!-- shortcode-contact -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-contact\">\n    <div class=\"contact-header\">\n        <h3>Contact Career Development<\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"contact-body\">\n                <a href=\"mailto:Career@nau.edu\" aria-label=\"Contact Career Development: Email Address\" title=\"Email Address\">\n            <div class=\"contact-icon-container\">\n                <i class=\"fas fa-envelope\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <span class=\"sr-only\">Email:<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"contact-email\">Career&#8203;@nau.edu<\/div>\n        <\/a>\n                        <a href=\"tel:928-523-1087\" aria-label=\"Contact Career Development: Telephone Number\" title=\"Telephone Number\">\n            <div class=\"contact-icon-container\">\n                <i class=\"fas fa-phone\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <span class=\"sr-only\">Call:<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"contact-phone\">928-523-1087<\/div>\n        <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":566,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/566"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6937"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6937\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6976,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6937\/revisions\/6976"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/career\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}