Find Jobs and Internships

It's never too early to plan your job search. In fact, we recommend checking out internship options as early as your first year. These career-related work experiences can give you skills and connections to help you find a full-time job in the future. They can be paid or unpaid and can take place during the summer or academic year.

If you have any questions about the job/internship search process, please contact us at careerservices@niu.edu or 815-753-1642.

Planning Your Internship Search

You should begin planning your internship during the second semester of your first year at NIU. Schedule a meeting with a career counselor to get started.

You may be able to earn course credit for your internship. You must receive permission from your academic department. Contact your academic advisor for more information.

You can also receive a notation on your official NIU transcript recognizing your completion of a career-related work experience. You must register your internship before it begins and meet the following requirements:

• You have a GPA of at least 2.0.
• Your internship was at least 120 clock hours.
• You had 30 hours of academic credit before you completed the internship.

Planning Your Job Search

Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, we recommend planning your job search 12 to 18 months before you graduate. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor to create a search strategy that works for you.

Search Tools/Resources

Use the following tools and resources to search with confidence:

• Attend career/internship fairs to meet employers and make connections.
• Use Huskies Get Hired to search hundreds of opportunities, including many employers looking specifically for NIU students.  
• Learn how to use LinkedIn effectively at our workshop. Contact us for upcoming dates/times.
• Make an appointment with a career counselor to learn search strategies for your field.
• View additional employers seeking diverse candidates.

Avoiding Scams

Be cautious of fake job postings, particularly when using an online job posting system. If you receive a suspicious email or notice a suspicious job posting, tell us immediately so we can assist you. Read the Career Services disclaimer and educate yourself about job scams.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.