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Appointments and Drop-in Advising with NCA

NCA is here to support you!  Connect with us through appointments or drop-in hours virtually, in-person or over the phone.  Undergraduate students, graduate students and recent alumni are eligible to schedule appointments with a member of our team through Handshake.

Visit the Alumni Resources page for more information about career services and resources for alumni more than 6 months beyond graduation.

For any additional questions, please email nca@northwestern.edu  and we will respond quickly. 

Schedule an Appointment

NCA career advisers and career counselors are here to help you navigate all of your career concerns. Appointments with our team are scheduled through Handshake and are available in the following areas:

  • Undecided on a Career Path
  • Choosing an Academic Major
  • Career Advising (finding jobs/internships, networking, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation, offer negotiation)
  • Mock Interview
  • Graduate School Application Advising
  • Pre-Law Advising

Appointments can be scheduled virtually, in person or by phone.  Login to Handshake  Career Center > Appointments to view your scheduling options.

Drop-In Hours (Virtual and In-Person)

During the academic year, NCA advisers offers daily virtual and in-person drop-in hours to connect with our team for quick career-related questions and guidance. Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students can utilize these hours.

2024-2025 Academic Year

Fall Quarter Live Chat and In Person Drop-in Hours are offered starting Monday, 9/16/24 until Friday, 12/6/24 from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm.

  • Live Chat is available Monday, Wednesday, Friday
  • In-person drop-ins (620 Lincoln Street) are available Tuesday and Thursday
Special Extended Live Chat hours before the Career Fairs:
  • Wednesday, 9/25 12:00-4:00 pm
  • Monday, 9/30 12:00-4:00 pm

There will be no Live Chat OR Walk-ins on the following dates:

  • 10/1 (NCA Career Fair)
  • 11/25 - 11/29 (Thanksgiving week)

If you would like to make an appointment, please do so through Handshake. Questions? Email us at nca@northwestern.edu

NCA Live Chat Instructions:

NCA Live Chat* is offered through Microsoft Teams, a platform accessible to all Northwestern students, staff and faculty. Check current drop-in hours before opening Live Chat.

  1. When prompted, enter your Northwestern email address.
  2. You will be redirected to Online Passport.
  3. Sign in with your NetID and NetID password.  If you are already signed into Online Passport, you will go directly to Microsoft Teams.
*Note: Download the app for easier use of Teams.

Open Live Chat

What questions can I ask during Drop-in Hours?

You will have 15-20 minutes for your drop-in session. For longer questions or more detailed feedback, you may be referred to schedule an appointment with a member of the NCA team or to utilize one of our online resources. During drop-in advising you can ask a member of our team quick questions, tips and for resources related to:

  • Navigating NCA services
  • Job/Internship Searching
  • Networking
  • Negotiating Offers
  • Writing resumes and cover letters
NCA Live Chat is an open forum, so do not share confidential information in the main thread. Our team member will move you to a private chat thread in order to answer sensitive questions or provide document reviews.

Career Ambassador Resume Review Drop-ins

Fall Quarter 2024

MCC (1936 Sheridan Road):

  • Mondays, 10 AM - 12 PM
  • Wednesdays, 5 PM - 7 PM
  • Fridays, 10 AM - 12 PM

SES (1927 Orrington, Foster Walker Complex, House 6):

  • Thursdays, 10 AM - 12 PM
GSRC (1927 Orrington, Foster Walker Complex, House 5):
  • Tuesdays, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Additional Career Offices at Northwestern

In addition to NCA, there are several other offices at Northwestern that provide career support to students, alumni, and postdocs.  Visit the pages below to learn more about available services: