Huskie Career Launchpad
Everything you do outside the classroom counts toward your career. Throughout your time at NIU, you can earn points toward your digital badges through co-curricular and experiential learning activities – from attending campus events to completing internships. Huskie Career Launchpad powered by Suitable is where you track it and turn it into something employers can see.
Employers hire based on skills, not just your major. Huskie Career Launchpad helps you name the skills you're already building and show those skills off with a digital badge you can put on LinkedIn and bring up during interviews.
How It Works
- Download the Suitable iOS app or Android app or visit the website, then use your Z-ID@niu.edu email address to register and log in.
- Find the experience that fits what you’ve done.
- Answer a few reflection prompts.
- Upload proof of completion – for example, an email from a supervisor.
Digital Badges
Huskie Career Launchpad includes eight skills badges based on what employers say they want most, according to NACE research. Each one feeds directly into two signature badges: Career Ready and Career Ready Plus.
Career Ready
Showcase practical skill and active career engagement across your time at NIU. Earn this signature badge by completing your Career Plan badge, reporting at least one career-related experience (like an internship, clinical or employment) and earning 400 total points across the eight skill badges.
Career Ready Plus
Showcase comprehensive excellence across the entire Huskie Career Launchpad suite. Earn our highest signature badge by completing your Career Plan badge, reporting at least one hands-on career experience and earning all eight individual skills badges.
Career and Self-development
Level up your career and personal growth through continual learning while you're at NIU – whether it's picking up new skills, understanding what you're good at or where you can improve, keeping an eye on career opportunities, or building a solid network.
Leadership
Use your strengths and the strengths of others around you to accomplish your goals and team goals. The leadership skills you learn while at NIU will help you succeed and make positive impacts in your workplace and community.
Communication
As a Huskie, you gain skills to help you clearly share facts, ideas and opinions with people inside and outside of an organization. Being a skilled and effective communicator will benefit you, regardless of what field you choose.
Professionalism
Adapt and develop good work habits, knowing that every workplace is different, to act in a way that benefits the whole team. Establishing and growing your professional skills helps you succeed in the workforce.
Critical Thinking
Developing critical thinking skills during your time at NIU gives you a major advantage in the job market and your career. Employers value people who can analyze problems, make informed decisions and adapt to change. Critical thinkers stand out because they can solve challenges, learn quickly, lead effectively and explain their ideas with confidence – all of which are essential for career success in any field.
Teamwork
We offer programs and assistance to help you work well with others by building strong, team-focused relationships. Teamwork experience enables you to respect different opinions and share responsibilities, gaining you critical skills to succeed in your future workplace.
Equity and Inclusion
At NIU, we value being respectful and aware of different cultures, both locally and globally while making sure others are included and feel valued. The insights you will gain in this area during your time as a Huskie will help you make positive change in your community and beyond.
Technology
We are here to help you learn technology in a smart and responsible way to get things done more efficiently and accomplish your goals. Being skilled in and knowledgeable of current technology will give you an advantage when it comes time to find the right job after graduating.
Report Your Career Experiences
Log any of these to earn your Career Ready badge:
- Internships, co-ops and clinical/practicum — hands-on, major-related work, including undergraduate research assistantships
- Employment — any job, on-campus or off-campus
- Short-term experiences and Forage simulations — quick ways to test-drive a career, including externships and Parker Dewey micro-internships
Contact Us
Career ServicesPeters Campus Life Building 220
815-753-1642
careerservices@niu.edu
Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Schedule a student appointment