Sleek, professional, contemporary furniture, and a new look are the obvious changes Career Services is experiencing with its recent move to the Bone Student Center. But for Redbirds, the department offers more than what meets the eye.
Located on the west side of the second floor where the Redbird Card Office, Tech Zone, and Barnes and Noble previously resided, Career Services’ new location brings career support and vision to the University.
“We are excited to welcome Career Services to its new home in the Bone Student Center,” Assistant Vice President, Division of Student Affairs Danielle Miller-Schuster said. “Each element of the transformation was designed with how students would move through and use the revitalized student center. With uniquely designed spaces throughout and premier programming, Redbird futures start here by connecting students to our outstanding career advising team, robust resources, and employer partners close by and around the world.”
New huddle rooms
As the name implies, the “huddle rooms” are spaces for one or several individuals to meet. Located on the concourse and equipped with modern technology, this space allows Redbirds to meet with employers for on-campus or virtual interviews, or just to network.
In addition to students, employers can also reserve the huddle rooms to conduct informational sessions in-person or virtually to talk about their organizations and begin to connect with students interested in working for them or in their industries.
Redbirds can also reserve the huddle rooms to access InterviewStream, the University’s online interview practice tool. As an additional benefit to students, when Career Services is closed, the huddle rooms are available to students to meet with one another or to utilize as a study space.
Career Resource Hub
The new Career Resource Hub, located at the far west corner of the concourse, provides students with access to many resources to assist them with career development and career readiness. The Hub provides computers that students can use to work on their resumes, print them off on free resume paper, access to career resource materials, space to work independently or with a career ambassador, and much more.
Proximity to Student Involvement
Career Services is located next to the Dean of Students Office and Student Involvement, which is not by accident.
“One of the keys to academic and career success is involvement,” Career Services Director Pamela Cooper said. “As an institution, we encourage students to get involved with student organizations and other activities to enhance professional success. Such participation is an excellent way for them to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom into valuable career-related experiences, and ultimately build upon their transferable skills.”
In addition, the convenient location next to Student Involvement provides students with access to support that can assist with identifying involvement opportunities on campus, or to connect with members of their student organization.
Redbird vision
The red neon light in Career Services reads: “Your Future Starts Here.” It’s a message designed to inspire new and potential Redbirds with a vision for their professional success and future careers.
“Their future does start here,” Cooper said. “And for those new to the University and who are visiting the University and the Office of Admissions, we are just steps away. As they tour the Bone Student Center, we want them to know that the Redbird community is here to assist them with their academic success as well as to help them create their legacy with their career right from the start! This support begins the moment they choose Illinois State and will extend even beyond their first job offer as a Redbird alum.”
As the new year brings hope for the future, it also resonates as a season of new beginnings for Career Services.
“We are proud to join the nest at the Bone Student Center,” Cooper said. “But even more exciting is that we are here to help Redbirds not only to obtain a vision for their future, but to assist them on their journey toward achieving career success. To us in Career Services, that is what it means to help Redbirds create their legacy.”
Expanded hours
In its new location, Career Services has expanded its hours and is open Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m.– 4:30 p.m.
