Recruitment strategies
There are many ways to connect with Illinois State University talent.
Internships and experiential learning experiences
Create a successful internship program or other learning experience to connect with students, assist your organization, and train future talent. These career experiences extend beyond short-term work because they include intentional learning agendas that are structured into their experiences. Learning activities may include learning objectives, observation, reflection, evaluation, and assessment.
In addition, your organization may qualify for reimbursement for up to 50% for the interns that you hire. Let us assist you with coordinating an innovative internship or other experiential learning opportunity.
For more information about internships and experiential learning opportunities, contact Andee Radliff.
On Campus Locations
Career Services huddle rooms
Located on the second floor concourse of the Bone Student Center next to the Bird’s Nest food court, these window-walled rooms have plenty of nearby traffic increasing your visibility. They include a large flat screen, computer connectivity, a dry erase board, and comfortable table seating for multiple guests. Spaces are free to use, but reservations are required. Visit Hire-A-Redbird, click “OCR” (on-campus recruiting), and “Request New OCR.”
Exclusive opportunity for Engage partners
Members of our Engage Partner Program enjoy the exclusive benefit of having their own customized branded space for every visit. Learn more about the benefits of participating in the Engage Partner Program.
Career Services classroom
Also on the second floor of the Bone Student Center is the Career Services classroom located inside the Career Resource Hub. This lovely window-encased room has tables, chairs, large display screens, and ample seating for 20-25 individuals. It is perfect for informational sessions, presentations, and more. With students frequently visiting the Career Resource Hub for résumé reviews, it is an ideal location for employers seeking to connect with students.
Reserve this space using Hire-A-Redbird. Simply click “Events” and “Request Information Session.”
Other campus locations
Illinois State has many other spaces available for your outreach including additional Bone Student Center spaces, college/academic buildings, Milner Library, and even the University’s outdoor Quad.
For more information about reserving space on-campus space, contact Andee Radliff.
Career events
Career fairs
Take advantage of the variety of career-related events that we host throughout the semester. Our career fairs are held throughout the year including our internship and career fairs held each semester and industry-specific fairs, such as our Education Career Fair. You’ll enjoy meeting candidates from all majors, or you may attend a fair specific to your organization’s recruiting needs.
To register for our career fairs, visit Hire-A-Redbird.
Programs
Networking is a much more casual way to fulfill your hiring needs. Consider participating in one of our programs to share your expertise and experience. Students enjoy learning firsthand from employers and alumni. We’ll even handle all the marketing!
For more information about our career fairs and programs, contact Rachel Janicki.
Cultural Career Network
Our Cultural Career Network connects you to a variety of students. Consider participating in these popular events.
EDI Employer Expo
Join us for our annual expo with a networking dinner, keynote speaker, and a career expo where you can share information about your internship and part- and full-time opportunities.
International Student Career Series
Illinois State is home for many international students. Consider connecting with many of them as we discuss career topics specifically assisting international students. This series is very well attended and a great way to connect and support Redbirds.
For more information about the Cultural Career Network, contact Rachel Janicki.
Engage partner program

You can connect with even more outstanding talent by joining Engage: the Career Services Partner Engagement Program. As a member, we will help you develop a dynamic recruitment strategy, customized to the needs of your organization. Based on the package you select, you can enjoy incredible outreach benefits such as:
- Strategic promotion of on-campus recruiting events
- Recognition at all Career Services events
- Special promotion of open positions
- Career fair participation and informational sessions
- Participation in social media takeovers
- Priority scheduling for your on-campus programs
- Priority use of Career Services facility (remote workspace, small employer events, etc.)
- Display of your branding or other materials on Career Services digital displays in the Bone Student Center
- And much more!
For more information about Engage, contact Natalie R. Alexander.
Alumni Mentor Network
If you are an alum of Illinois State University, you can enjoy the additional benefit of connecting with Redbirds as a member of the Alumni Mentor Network. As a volunteer, you’ll provide career mentoring to one or more students as you choose based upon your interest and availability. Best of all, students and volunteers self-select, so you can decide who to mentor, how to communicate, when to connect, what you will assist them with. You’ll enjoy assisting a fellow Redbird, serving your alma mater, and connecting with future talent.
For more information about the Alumni Mentor Network, contact Natalie R. Alexander.
Student organization outreach
Illinois State University has a very active student population. With nearly 450 organizations, almost every student is connected to at least one or more student groups. You can connect with student organizations on your own by visiting RedbirdLife, our Registered Student Organization (RSO) directory. You’ll find a complete list of RSOs, their self-identified descriptions, and even an email form to contact them directly.
For more information about connecting with student organizations or RedbirdLife, contact Andee Radliff.