We get it. Northwestern students and alumni want exciting professional opportunities and meaningful work. How awesome that Northwestern’s vision is to be the leading Christian college focused on student success and Christ-centered work for the common good! This is a significant way that Northwestern stands out, and we’re excited to help our students prepare for meaningful work and flourishing lives.
The key way we do this is through the Northwestern Navigation Plan. Our focus in the Compass Center for Career & Calling is to engage students as early as possible—ideally, from your first day on campus—so we can help you start planning for your professional life. We want every student to engage in the four steps of Explore, Experience, Equip and Embark.
Understand how your personality, strengths, interests and values fit into your future work by:
- Taking the PathwayU assessments
- Choosing a major that fits your gifts
- Receiving career counseling to connect your major with career goals
Participate in 2 to 3 hands-on learning opportunities that help you gain professional skills and experience, such as:
- Internships and jobs
- Job shadowing
- Off-campus study
- Leadership opportunities
- Service and community engagement
- Research and capstone projects
Show how your education has prepared you for your career and calling through:
- A polished resume
- Targeted cover letters
- Handshake and LinkedIn profiles
- Interview practice
Expand your connections with alumni, faculty members, industry leaders and others who can help you launch from college to career by:
- Receiving help with your graduate school applications
- Developing your personal mission statement
- Crafting a professional image
- Utilizing an alumni network to connect to your post-graduation destination
- Securing meaningful work
In the Compass Center, we don’t believe there is only one job, role or calling for our students. In fact, we all take on multiple roles, responsibilities and relationships as a part of our vocations. But as Christ-followers, we are invited into God’s good work. Our intention in the Compass Center is to guide Northwestern students and alumni on their professional and vocational journeys in a way that always points them to Jesus as their “true north.”
