Considerations for June 2020 grads
Extended use of NCA Services
In light of the impact of Covid-19 on the job search, NCA will allow 2020 graduates to meet with a career adviser or counselor until securing your first position post-graduation.
Tips for offers that have been rescinded/delayed
If you are a student whose offer has been rescinded or delayed, here are some tips:
- If your offer has been delayed, make sure that you keep in regular contact with the recruiter to express your continued interest. While ideally the recruiter will provide a projected start date, also recognize that the recruiter may not know the timeline for making decisions due to everchanging conditions.
- If your offer has been rescinded, ask the recruiter if it is ok to keep in touch regarding future opportunities.
- Make sure that you include the position on your resume for your future search. We are creating a page on our website with guidance for phrasing cancelled/rescinded positions. Please stay tuned for this content.
Tips for the job search
Be flexible/open
This time, while daunting, also gives you the opportunity to think more broadly about your career”. rather than being tied to the “perfect position” This may mean looking at companies that you hadn’t considered before. As you consider options, look beyond the companies you think you “should” work and ask yourself:
- Will this position give me an opportunity to increase my network?
- Will this position allow me to use my existing skills while introducing me to other skills?
- Will this position give me an introduction to the field?
Continue to Network
Remember that once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. You will always have access to Handshake, which includes alumni who work at specific companies as well as job listings, and access to networking resources such as Our Northwestern and the Northwestern Mentorship Program. Reach out to people you already know relatively well to ask them to keep an eye out for relevant opportunities for you. Start with people who you feel comfortable approaching, such as favorite professors, former supervisors, family members, and friends—and let them know you’re looking for a job.
Continue to Update your Skills
Even as you are searching for a job, you can still work on gaining skills. Doing project-based work, short term internships, and taking classes through resources such as Coursera and Course Horse can help you to develop new skills that will build upon your current knowledge. You can also market this to potential employers by putting “courses in progress” on your resume.