Top number of North Central students chosen by employers for interviews

North Central College’s Office of Career Development helped students prepare for the Illinois Small College Placement Association (ISCPA) Fall Interview Day on Oct. 14. Students pursuing degrees in business, business economics, actuarial science, accounting, finance and more had the opportunity to interview for jobs and internships with some 22 companies, including Ace Hardware, Allstate Insurance, Aon Corporation, Caterpillar, Deloitte, McGladrey, Sikich and many more.

This year, 29 North Central students were selected for 52 actual interviews—more than any other college represented at the event.

“It is fair to say that we blew the competition out of the water,” said Jeff Denard, director of Career Development Center. “Employers picked who they wanted to see and they liked what they saw from our students.”

Preparation for Fall Interview Day starts day one of fall term for North Central College juniors and seniors looking for an internship or job. Students have to complete their résumé for submission to ISCPA by the end of week two. When accepted, students then choose the opportunities that interest them and employers select those students they want to meet.   

Several of the 29 North Central students were chosen for interviews with multiple employers and participated in multiple interviews. The day allowed students to take part in a precursor interview and employers can follow up for a more formal, on-location meeting.

“People are generally nervous, but our students showed confidence and looked the part,” said Denard. “A number of students had previous work experience and presented themselves well, which is what employers value.”

Career Development promotes Fall Interview Day campus-wide, but the efforts and encouragement of faculty make the most impact, said Denard. “Our faculty play a key role because they see the value of the event.”

For more information and help landing jobs, internships and preparing for graduate school, contact Career Development at 630-637-5141 or career@noctrl.edu.

By Stephanie Snyder ’15/M ’17