Career Readiness Tips

Huskies, we are here to help you succeed! Visit our Student Life website for  tips for getting a head start on your career, while you’re a student at NIU.

Each year the Presidential Commissions recognize faculty, staff, students and community members who have helped make our campus a welcoming, diverse and inclusive place to live, learn and work. Nominations for these awards are now open and the deadlines for nominations are below:

Learn more about individual awards and submit your nominations by visiting the Presidential Commissions awards webpage.

Join us for a unique outdoor adventure as we explore the scenic trails of Shabbona Lake Park. This hiking experience offers a peaceful and refreshing way to connect with nature as spring comes to life. Beyond the beauty of the lake, wooded paths and open skies that give inner peace and refreshment, you get the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow Huskies while spending time together. Leadership will be provided throughout the hike, ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all participants.

Date and Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026.
Registration and Cost: No cost is involved just register to attend.  All are invited. 

 The Presidential Commission on Well-being proudly presents NIU’s annual Well-being Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 16 in the Holmes Student Center’s Duke Ellington Ballroom.

Faculty, staff and students are all invited to attend and engage in a variety of free prizes, DIY self-care kits and opportunities to learn about your well-being. Campus and community partners will provide attendees with interactive activities, services and information focused on “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind and Healthy Spirit.”  A release for staff will be granted and more information will be announced in the following weeks.

Interested in hosting a table at the fair? Contact Sarah Moskal at smoskal1@niu.edu for more information.

Work in any of these positions for $15/hour:

Applications are open in Huskies Get Hired until April 6.

The Grill at Huskie Den is going green for the day! On March 17, we’re swapping the regular menu for a special St. Patrick’s Day lunch buffet filled with festive flavors. Join us from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or while supplies last) for a limited-time celebration and enjoy a taste of Irish-inspired comfort. 

Menu:

Cost is $6.99 for one trip through the buffet. 

Join us for two special events featuring Oneida artist Camille Billie, whose work explores Indigenous identity, storytelling and community through printmaking and visual art. Hosted by Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and cosponsored by Pick Museum of Anthropology.

Artist Talk: “Expressions of Indigeneity”
Date: March 18.
Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: Cole Hall 100.

Printmaking Workshop: “Reclaiming Space”
Date: March 19.
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: School of Art and Design, Room 408.

Submit a clever, lightweight and creative idea for something we can attach to our weather balloon (to be launched April 26, 2026) such as a meaningful symbol, unique object or cool experiment that represents our university spirit without adding too much weight (less than 6 ounces which is a standard hockey puck).

Last year's winner was Steve D., for his suggestion of "space radishes," a packet of radish seeds that were planted in the NIU community garden after the weather balloon was recovered, simultaneously representing NIU's commitments to sustainability (community gardens/edible campus) and innovation (sending the seeds to edge of space). We look forward to seeing what new and unique ideas the Huskie community comes up with.

The deadline is March 26, 2026. The winner will be notified by email and receive $100 in cash. This event is hosted by Proxima Centauri Alpha, an honorary STEM society recognized by NIU. All NIU staff and students are invited to participate.

Submit your idea today.