Student interns at work

Internships & Jobs

Career Development Visit Handshake

Jumpstart your Career

Your college education is your most important tool for success, but North Central knows your real world experience goes hand-in-hand with what you learn in the classroom.

Center for Career and Professional Development

More than two-thirds of companies prefer new hires with internship experience, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. And North Central graduates often leave equipped with multiple internships under their belts. Our Center for Career and Professional Development helps bring your academic and life skills to the workplace of your choice. Internships allow you to explore your passions while gathering the experience (and contacts) you’ll need after graduation.

student in front of willis tower

Craft a long-term Plan

Your campus activities, service and study trips and class work open up a world of possibilities. Our career development staff will work with you to craft a long-term plan to set you on the right post-graduation path. Those services include:

  • Career exploration
  • Building a resume
  • Mock interviews
  • Professional networking
  • Securing an internship
  • Preparing for graduate study
student intern at his desk

Explore our Resources

Internships opportunities are plentiful in Naperville and the surrounding region’s strong corporate presence. For science, there’s the world-renowned FermiLab, Argonne National Laboratory and Abbott Labs. Prospective educators have access to top school districts. For business students, the Chicago area is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies. 

The Center for Career and Professional Development is here for you long after you leave our campus. Our services are always available to North Central alumni seeking networking and job opportunities. Alumni are also encouraged to connect with current and future Cardinals to provide valuable mentorship and guidance. Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement for more information.

North Central College uses a job and internship platform called Handshake. Handshake is an interactive platform that allows employers to create company profiles, post jobs, control these posts and more. 

handshake logo

Success Stories

North Central students have a great deal of success making use of the many resources offered by the Center for Career and Professional Development. Find out more from these stories:

North Central College student Alice Zordan in the suit she picked out at the Cardinal Career Closet.

Cardinal Career Closet

Students such as Alice Zordan browse through a selection of donated professional clothing, get advice on putting together an outfit and then use it for professional interviews.

Bobby Kallien and Haydee Nunez discussing how to use Handshake at North Central College.

Handshake

Student career ambassadors like Bobby Kallien work with Director of Career Development Haydee Nunez to offer their fellow students guidance on how to use Handshake to their advantage.

North Central College students meet with potential employers at the Career Development Meet and Greet event.

Employer Meet and Greet

The Center for Career and Professional Development hosts numerous events throughout the school year that give you a chance to meet with potential employers and brush up your skills at making a good impression.