Newsletter

Students engaged in faculty-mentored research may apply for research funding through the Office of Student Research. Fall semester application deadlines are the last two fridays in September. Find application details and requirements on the OSR Funding page.

Which organizations are hiring? Do I meet their requirements? How do I create a resume or LinkedIn profile showcasing my experiences? These are just a few questions students often ask as they consider full-time employment, internships, or assistantships. However, the number and types of questions often multiply for those students from abroad who are studying in the United States. Career Services’ Cultural Career Network Program (CCNP) and the Office of International Engagement will address some of those concerns by hosting the International Student Career Series. Each session provides Illinois State’s international students and alumni with career support to help them remain competitive and increase their confidence in the job market. Series sessions The International Student Career Series includes several sessions: Resume and LinkedIn Reviews, August 12 Strategies for Landing a Job in the U.S., September 3 GoinGlobal, September 17 Job Search Advice from Alumni, October 22 Immigration Clinic–Life After Optional Practical Training (OPT), November 19 The International Student Career Series is an example of Illinois State’s commitment to diversity and Career Services’ mission to empower and support Redbirds to achieve their professional goals by providing resources, experiences, and industry connections.

The hustle and bustle of Redbirds on campus soon returns. To help students soar this semester, Career Services is pleased to host its annual You Can Work at ISU: Student Hiring Event on August 15. Held in the Bone Student Center, the event allows students to identify and apply for student positions. University departments with open positions will be in attendance and interviewing students on the spot. "The Student Hiring Event is an excellent opportunity for students," said Natalie R. Alexander, Career Services associate director. "Students can identify open positions that not only fuel their wallet but can also help them gain valuable learning experiences. When working for a university department, faculty and staff are their employers who are here to support student success. Students who work on campus get a paycheck, but they also gain mentors, build professional connections, and strengthen the skills they need will need for the classroom and beyond.” The skills students gain in part-time employment can be specific to their area of study or life skills needed to be successful in their careers. "In Career Services, we call them 'transferable skills'," said Alexander. "These are the vital skills students will need when pursuing their careers. They include communication, teamwork/collaboration, and leadership skills. They also provide students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests and give insights into careers that may be a good fit for them." Students seeking part-time employment need to bring their Redbird identification card and any other information they may need to complete a job application, such as a list of previous employers and their contact information, and their class schedule. University departments Campus departments that are hiring can participate in the fair free of charge, but registration for the You Can Work at ISU: Student Hiring Event is required in advance. They should also bring any supplies they may need. With nearly 21,000 students enrolled at Illinois State, Career Services is proud to provide the You Can Work at ISU: Student Hiring Event, as one of many job and career fairs held this fall.

The semester is almost over. If you’re a Redbird about to graduate or an Illinois State alum seeking a full-time position or career change, Career Services can help you succeed. Use these tips to assist you as you move forward in your career journey. Let us know what you are doing next. We want to know if you landed a job, are going to graduate school, or whatever is next in your career plan. Tell us about it by completing the short share your story form. If you are a student about to graduate, be sure to complete the brief Project Nest survey sent to your Redbird email account (it only takes a minute). Update your Hire-A-Redbird profile. This interactive job vacancy system allows students and alumni to research, identify, and apply for job and internship openings. You can also publish documents such as resumes and cover letters. Be sure to update your profile with your graduation date, contact information, email preferences, and degree/major information. Those who don’t have their profile up-to-date may miss out on being contacted by employers or on information being sent from Career Services about interviews, career fairs, and more. Save the date for upcoming career events. As an Illinois State alum, you are welcome to participate in Career Services career fairs and programs to identify positions, network with professionals in your field, and get valuable career advice and information. Outline a career plan with your career advisor. Let our career advisors help you develop a career plan, review your resume to help make it stand out to employers, and prepare for an interview before you start applying for jobs. Take advantage of Career Services’ online tools. These include Hire-A-Redbird, GoinGlobal (an online job board located within Hire-a-Redbird for students seeking positions abroad, or international students seeking positions within the United States), Interviewing.com (an online practice interview tool), and FOCUS2 Career (self-assessment for those seeking a different career path). Stay in touch with Career Services. Bookmark the Career Services website and join us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn so you can continue to take advantage of our offerings, such as resume reviews, practice interviews, networking events, graduate school application assistance, and more. Give back what you receive. When you’re in a position to hire an employee, be sure to contact Career Services. Let us help you find the right candidate. Whether you’re a supervisor, employer, or entrepreneur, you can always give back to Illinois State by hiring a Redbird. Become a mentor. Join our Alumni Mentor Network, and share your wisdom with current Illinois State students. Volunteer with us. We are always seeking alumni to speak with students about their career journey at one of our programs or events. Contact us to learn about opportunities to participate. Let Career Services assist you so you’re able to successfully pursue your career today, and beyond.

We're currently opening up e-board applications for the 2024-2025 school year! These are great leadership opportunities if you want to get more involved in ACUMEN. If you are interested in serving on the e-board, please apply by Monday, April 22nd: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdd2uFTVuwZ3PdGy. If you have any questions, please contact jwrigh3@ilstu.edu.