3 Reasons Your Student Should Attend the North Central College Job & Internship Fair

Greetings Parents and Families! You are often a major source of career development support and inspiration in your student’s life.  We appreciate your partnership as we work together to empower your student in reaching their career and professional development goals. 

The Fall semester is well underway, and so is the Fall recruiting season.  Many employers start recruiting and hiring for Spring and Summer internships and full-time roles several months in advance. Just as your student is settling into their semester routine, it is important that they make time for career exploration, preparation, and networking.  A great way for your student to kick start their internship or job search is to attend the North Central College Job & Internship Fair on Thursday, September 25th from 11:00am – 2:30pm in Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center.  If your student is unsure if this event is for them, please share these 3 compelling reasons why they should make the effort:

1. The time to start is now! Attending the NCC Job & Internship Fair is a great way for your student to start researching potential internship and job opportunities and lean into their professional preparation (e.g. creating or updating a resume, exploring career interests, researching opportunities). The earlier your student starts, the more options they have. Attending the Fair is one of many ways students can explore career opportunities – it can be a catalyst to help them get started and build momentum.
2. Over 50 employers are expected to be on campus.  The Fair offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with a variety of employers all actively hiring for job and internship opportunities. The Job & Internship Fair takes place on one day only (the next large career fair opportunity will not be until February 2026). Building professional relationships and expanding your network is an important part of professional development.  Encourage your student to engage in an opportunity to form connections and gain valuable insights in one afternoon.
3. Practice leads to progress. Introducing yourself to a potential employer can feel daunting.  Attending a career fair can offer ample opportunities for students to practice their “elevator pitch” or professional introduction, as well as get more comfortable engaging in conversation with new people.  Career Fairs can be a great place to learn more about career opportunities, obtain feedback from recruiters and industry insiders, and grow in confidence in presenting yourself professionally.  Sharing about your career interests and skills and listening attentively to insights and feedback can be great preparation for future interviews. 

Connect with your student and encourage them to put the Job & Internship Fair on their calendar. Students can learn more about the Job & Internship Fair and other career events on Handshake.  Additionally, the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) offers weekly Drop-In Center Hours Tuesday-Thursday 12pm-4pm in Oesterle Library room 114, where students can receive support on developing their resume, preparing for the career fair, and more.  The CCPD also manages the Cardinal Career Closet offering free professional wear for students.  The Cardinal Career Closet is in Larrance Academic Center and is open on Mondays & Wednesdays 2-4pm and Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-1:30pm.