What can I do with this degree? How can I connect with alumni in my field? Which companies are hiring? These questions, and more, race through the minds of college students as they think about their career. Thanks to your support, Illinois State University’s Career Center is able to help students address their career concerns and provide the assistance they need for career success.

The Career Center provides students and alumni with career services and resources that enhance their career development and readiness, while providing them with opportunities to connect with employers seeking Redbirds as candidates.

Contributing to career success

Through a variety of services, resources and events, the Career Center helps students achieve career success. In fact, during the 2016-2017 academic year, the Career Center had over 35,000 student and alumni touchpoints. Thanks to your gift, here are a few of the highlights of how they were served:

  • Over 6,000 full-time and internship opportunities were posted on Hire-A-Redbird, the Career Center’s online job posting system
  • Over 2,300 attendees participated in a career-related event
  • 97 percent of students who participated in Career Choice Class – IDS 106 indicated that they would recommend the course to others
  • There was a 59 percent  increase in drop-in sessions held at the Career Center
  • The Career Center experienced a 12.9 percent increase in the number of unique students served
Ryan Geary thanks the Career Center for his career success.

Ryan Geary

“I attended several programs just for my major such as how to apply for jobs from actual recruiters in the field who are looking to hire Redbirds. I have been able to build my portfolio and learned how to sell my skills. I am confident and ready to apply for positions,” said senior Ryan Geary.

Your impact

Giving Tuesday provides a great opportunity for you to make your gift matter! Your gift of $100 covers the cost for 10 undecided students to take a robust career interest assessment to identify a personalized career path. A gift of $50 allows 100 students to each get 10 free business cards. Gifts of just $20 provide free resume paper and printing to 40 students.

“The Career Center has been invaluable to the Department of Agriculture and its students,” complimented Department Chair and Professor Robert Rhykerd. “It conducts class presentations, provides career advice, facilitates panel discussions with human resource experts, provides facilities for companies to interview our students, and more. These services help make our students very competitive at securing internships and full-time employment.”

Contributions to the Career Center provide the resources necessary to serve Redbirds as students today and as alumni tomorrow. “The support we receive not only assists students with identifying career opportunities, but it also helps them with their career development and readiness skills, which will serve them throughout their entire career,” commented Career Center Director Pamela Cooper.

Make your gift matter – not only now, but in the future by giving to the Career Center today!