Do you need help finding a job or seeking a career expert to review your résumé? Are you trying to decide what career to pursue, or considering graduate school? Illinois State students and alumni can get help with their job search and career plans virtually from the Career Center.
Career advice
Professional career advisors work with students and alumni to assist them through the entire career development process. Whether you need assistance with identifying your interests and matching them to related careers/majors; seeking opportunities to apply your education and skills to careers through internships, part-time jobs or student involvement and volunteerism; or need help identifying strategies to successfully apply for internships, full-time career opportunities, and graduate or professional school, the Career Center can assist you from home or while away from campus.
Virtual appointments have become a very practical way that Redbirds can continue to make progress in their career development. Career advisor Renee Carrigan said, “I have been meeting with students via Zoom and email to review their résumés. Some have found getting a solid draft together to be a good use of the extra time they have.”
“Some (students) have found getting a solid résumé together to be a good use of their extra time,” said career advisor Renee Carrigan.
To connect with your career advisor, simply schedule an appointment using Hire-A-Redbird. You will be able to select your preferred appointment method: email, phone, or virtual call (Zoom). Once your request is received, your career advisor will send an email confirmation to you regarding your appointment request and if it has been accepted. If you select the video call option, you will receive an email containing a Zoom invitation with a link or a phone number to connect.
Virtual drop-in hours
Redbirds can also receive career assistance during our drop-in hours from Career Center graduate assistants and career advisors. Request a brief résumé review, get input on your LinkedIn profile and how to use the tool for your job search or networking, and more. There are two options for how to utilize virtual drop-in hours:
- Zoom: Click on the link provided on the drop-in hours webpage on the Career Center website and wait for the host to connect with you.
- Email: Send an email with your request to the Career Center.
Other virtual tools
The Career Center provides access to a number of other virtual resources that allow Redbirds to proceed with their career development from on or off campus:
- Job postings: Research employers seeking Redbirds as candidates. Use Hire-A-Redbird to identify and apply for jobs and internships. If you prefer to use an app, access the Career Center’s free Symplicity Jobs and Careers app available from the App Store or Google Play.
- International job postings: Visit GoinGlobal, an online career tool kit specifically serving international students and those seeking opportunities abroad, located within Hire-A-Redbird.
- Interview practice: Utilize InterviewStream, an online video interview tool that allows you to select questions by major and job industry to practice your answers. Afterward, you can use Hire-A-Redbird to schedule an appointment with your career advisor to review the recording with you and provide feedback. This tool is also available for courses that require interview practice or participation in a mock interview.
- Career Resource Guide: Get helpful career advice and job search tips by visiting the Career Resource Guide.
- Career fairs and other networking events: Access a list of virtual career fairs and other recruiting events being held virtually. Although Illinois State University may not be hosting these events, they are provided as options.
- Career assessment: If you are not sure what career to pursue or to what to study/major in, use FOCUS, the Career Center’s online interest inventory tool that helps you identify your interests and related careers.
- Volunteer: Participate in service opportunities to gain experience and develop the transferable skills employers seek in candidates. Visit the list of virtual service and volunteer opportunities provided by the Center for Civic Engagement and Service Learning.
- LinkedIn: Utilize LinkedIn to establish your network of contacts and to identify potential career opportunities. Create a profile on this social networking tool to engage with your favorite organizations, connect with Redbird alumni, and more. If you are not sure how to utilize LinkedIn effectively, participate in the Career Center’s virtual drop-in hours for assistance.
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. Be sure to take advantage of these virtual resources to help you succeed whether you are on or off campus.
