PARTNERSHIPS
Campus Partners
Collaboration is a core value of Career Services. Whether through co-developing programs, coordinating career fairs, enhancing services, or aligning strategic efforts, our partnerships across the University community play a vital role in supporting students' career readiness and experiential learning.
Thank you to our campus partners for your continued commitment to Redbird student success.
- Athletics
- College of Applied Science and Technology
- College of Education
- Department of Accounting
- Office of International Engagement
- Office of the Provost
- Student Access and Accommodation Services
- The Graduate School
- University Advancement
- University College
- Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
"I felt the students were very prepared to make connections with (our) staff and were the most outgoing I've seen in a while. Great preparation! Outstanding job ISU!"
—survey respondent
Employer Partners
We value our relationships with employers who engage with Illinois State in search of early talent. As they seek to connect with well-prepared candidates for internships and full-time positions, their participation in on-campus recruiting offers valuable opportunities for students to explore career paths, identify job opportunities, and expand their professional networks.
On-campus Recruiting
Career Services prioritizes on-campus recruiting. While students gain direct access to career opportunities and ways to network with potential employers, they also learn about industries and explore career paths. Organizations gain access to a large pool of potential employees with knowledge in their fields, potentially building a pipeline of future talent.
The new Redbird Recruitment Toolkit provides employers with useful information to assist them as they explore on-campus recruiting options.
Enterprise Talent Manager Monica Hood conducts on-campus informational sessions with students in the Career Services classroom.
City of Bloomington Police officers connect with students at tables in the Bone Student Center during lunch hours.
COUNTRY Financial Talent Acquisition Specialist Lana Cunningham ’17, M.S. ’19 middle and other members of the organization recruit students on campus.
Career Fairs
Career fairs serve as a vital platform for fostering meaningful connections between students and the professional world. Organized by Career Services, these events are designed to enhance both employer recruitment and student success.
During the 2024–25 academic year, more than 555 organizations participated in Career Services career fairs, bringing together 1,430 employer representatives. These events attracted over 4,000 students and were hosted both independently by Career Services and in collaboration with various academic departments.
Attendance at key 2024-25 career fairs
"The students were so well spoken and knowledgeable. They asked great questions outside the scope of the regular questions typically asked."
—survey respondent
Engage Employer Partner Program
Through the Engage Employer Partner Program, Career Services offers customized recruitment strategies tailored to the specific needs of employers seeking to connect with Illinois State University students. This program provides exclusive opportunities for employer engagement, helping to enhance student career readiness while supporting the organization’s recruitment goals.
We extend our sincere thanks to the 2024–25 Engage Partner Program members for their continued support of Career Services and their commitment to Redbird success.
On the Horizon: Exciting Employer Engagement Opportunities
Career Services continues to expand opportunities for students and employers alike. Mark your calendar for the inaugural Engineering Technology Career Fair on November 20, designed to connect students with employers in high-demand technical fields.
In addition, we are developing new strategies to diversify the range of industries recruiting at Illinois State—broadening career options for Redbirds and strengthening our role as a hub for top talent across sectors.
External Partnerships
Kaplan All-Access License
Thanks to a new statewide partnership, Illinois State University students now have free access to Kaplan’s industry-leading test preparation resources for graduate admissions, licensure, and credentialing exams, as well as professional skills development courses. Students can access more than 40 comprehensive courses, including preparation for exams such as the GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, and many others at no cost.
This initiative, titled Prepare for Illinois' Future: Powered by Kaplan’s All Access License, is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). It complements existing campus resources and supports students as they prepare for the next step in their career journey post-graduation.
