Career Services’ spring slate of programming kicks off with Speed Networking on Tuesday, Feb. 11. During the event students rotate around the room for brief face-to-face mock interviews with a variety of employers. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

As the spring semester begins, Northwest Missouri State University Career Services offers a variety of activities to help students secure internships and prepare for their careers.

Jill Brown, Northwest’s director of partnerships and placement, said its programming is designed for students to mix and mingle. Each event is tailored to maximize student interaction with future employers and schools.

“We’ve designed the events to appeal to all students, regardless of your year in school or your major,” Brown said. “Each event offers the opportunity to grow your confidence and network with industry professionals.”

Career Services’ spring offerings begin with Speed Networking on Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the J.W. Jones Student Union Ballroom. Sessions are 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Students can pre-register online, but walk-ins also are welcome. During the event, employers stay put and the students rotate through various stations, perfecting their handshakes and introductions every two minutes.

Then, Mock Interview Day is 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, on the third floor of the Student Union. It helps students gain interviewing experience by meeting face-to-face with real employers. Students can register by submitting a résumé to Career Services in Administration Building Room 130.

The spring Career Day occurs 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse. It provides students with an opportunity to explore a variety of internship and full-time employment openings. More details and a listing of employers and schools attending Career Day are available by here.

Next, Career Services sponsors PBL Palooza 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, in the Hughes Fieldhouse. Students are invited to share posters from internships, field experiences and profession-based class projects for a chance to win great prizes.

As the spring semester concludes, Career Services hosts Northwest Grad Fest, an event for May graduates to network with alumni guests. That event is 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at the Michael L. Faust Center for Alumni and Friends.

Additionally, Career Services hosts Coffee and Careers, a come and go brainstorming session centered on how to find internships and full-time jobs, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday on the first floor of the Administration Building. Career Services offers monthly “How to Find an Internship” sessions throughout the spring semester on the third floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union in Meeting Room D; upcoming sessions are 3:30 p.m. Feb. 10, 2 p.m. March 31 and 4 p.m. April 29.

Career Services also offers a variety of services designed to help students prepare for the application and interview process, such as résumé critiques, classroom presentations, and practice interviews. Career Services offers walk-in hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week day in Administration Building Room 130.

“Even if you just want to come in and say, ‘Can you look at this résumé?’ or ‘I have an interview question about this,’ ‘help me with this,’” Brown said. “We’re here for all the things. The same thing for if you want to know what to wear to a particular interview or if you’re worried you don’t have the right outfit.”

Brown also encourages students to use the Career Closet to their advantage. It offers free professional clothing and accessories to Northwest students and is located on the second floor of North Complex. The closet is open from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment.

“The Career Closet is one of the best projects I’ve been involved with at Northwest,” Brown said. “We have been blessed with a lot of very nice donations, just waiting for the next student shopper. Sometimes college and interviewing can feel a little overwhelming. Clothing shouldn’t have to be one more hurdle. Stop on by and shop, for free.”

For more information about these events or any of the available services at Career Services contact 660.562.1250 or www.nwmissouri.edu/career.