As competition for jobs continues in the workplace, career advice and job search assistance are in high demand today.

The Career Center at Illinois State offers a number of free services to students to help them gain the competitive edge when preparing for their career. As a student, let the Career Center assist you with free services such as:

Career advisement: Free professional career advisors work with students to help them develop job-search skills and strategies to help them successfully find and apply for potential internships, full-time career opportunities, and graduate or professional school. Walk-in hours are also provided to students who need a brief consultation without an appointment.

Career assessment: Students undecided on a major or career can get help with identifying majors and careers that best match their skills and interests using free career exploration assessment tools such as FOCUS, an online self-assessment tool available on the Career Center website.

Internships and professional practice experiences: Students receive free assistance with identifying employers for one or more credit-generating, academic/career related, paid/unpaid work experiences.

Career events: The Career Center hosts free events and programs throughout the year on a variety of career development topics and job search strategies, as well as career fairs and other events to connect students with employers and recruiters.

Programs and workshops: The Career Center hosts a number of free programs and workshops to educate students on career related topics and job search strategies.

Hire-A-Redbird job posting system: Free tool for current students to view job vacancies, on-campus interviews, career fair information, and more.

Interview assistance: The Career Center hosts free mock interviews throughout the year for students to practice their interview skills. Or, students can do so online using InterviewStream, a free online video interviewing tool allowing them to practice at home and play back to see how they’ve done.

Cultural Career Network (CCN): Free networking and career events with employers seeking diverse candidates.

Support to specialized populations: A professional full-time career advisor is committed to supporting individuals from the following the following populations: Illinois State alumni, U.S. military veterans, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) individuals, and graduate students at no charge to the students.

Free resume paper and business cards: Illinois State students can print out their resume onto complimentary resume paper at the Career Center or go online to request a set of free business cards to use at career fairs and interviews.

Social networking: In an effort to help students connect with employers and provide free career development tips and information, students can connect with the Career Center on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Free access to Skype and private interview rooms: Available at the Career Center with advance reservation.

What about alumni?

The Career Center also provides services to assist recent Illinois State graduates (from date of graduation up to five years) to help them prepare for and make the transition to careers and graduate or professional school.

All career fairs held throughout the year are available to Illinois State alumni free of charge. In addition, the Career Center offers a number of fee-based service packages to assist alums as well. Visit the Career Center website for a list of the alumni packages and fees. For more information, contact the Career Center.