100% career ready

At NAU, your career starts the moment you step on campus. From your first semester on campus, through hands-on learning, mentorship and research opportunities, you’ll discover a career path that aligns with your interests and passions. The 100% career readiness initiative is a collaboration between Academic Affairs and NAU's Career Development Office to ensure students are career ready at graduation.

73% of students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduating

NAU's approach to career readiness

We're committed to empowering you with the skills you need to confidently navigate your career by building career readiness into your education. Whether you're exploring possibilities or have a set plan, we'll help you build a foundation of career prep that's integrated into your academic experience and tailored to your career goals.

We align our approach with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, ensuring you graduate with the top skills employers look for, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and professionalism.

Wherever you want to go, NAU helps you start down the path as soon as you decide.

Olivia Fisher, an undergraduate education engineering research student, works in the bioengineering lab.

Real-world experience built in

NAU students graduate with a résumé full of career-ready experiences. You’ll gain work experience and career-ready skills through a variety of programs and activities during your time at NAU.

Internships

Work in your field, gaining valuable work experience, and a jump start on building your network before you graduate.

Undergraduate research

Join faculty-led research projects, even as a first-year student. You can even participate in the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, a showcase where students share creative ideas, research, and discoveries.

Student employment

Build transferable skills and earn income through roles on or off campus.

Learning labs

Get hands-on practice in spaces like the C4P Lab, where students partner with real companies.

Education abroad

Add a global edge to your degree while developing adaptability and independence by participating in a study abroad program.

Capstone projects

Solve real-world challenges and present your work to faculty and industry partners.

Industry partnerships

Connect with employers through events, mentorship, and sponsored projects.

Handshake is your career launchpad

Discover jobs and internships, connect with employers, and apply with ease on the NAU’s recruiting and networking platform. Students, employers and alumni, start your search.

Getting career support at NAU

In addition to career prep being built into the curriculum, we offer services through the Career Development Office:

  • advising
  • job fairs and events
  • online on-demand guidance
  • access to professional clothing

You'll find career coaching, mentoring, and events hosted by the departments and colleges that know your industry inside and out. To help you make a powerful first impression, check out the Career Closet, stocker with donated professional clothing for students in need. Students can take up to four items per semester (no appointment necessary, just show your NAU ID). The Career Closet is one more way NAU removes barriers and ensures you're ready to shine at interviews, career fairs, presentations, and beyond.

Support isn’t one-size-fits-all at NAU. It’s personalized, intentional, and available every step of the way. Career coaching and advising is also available through departments and colleges so, you can expect a tailored approach to career development that aligns with your major, passions, and interests.

Hydrology students test soil during class.

Ready to explore your future?

Your career starts at NAU. Explore degrees and career paths that match your strengths, interests, and goals.

Explore career paths at NAU

Connect with us

Have questions? Email us at career@nau.edu, call us at 928-523-1087, or schedule an appointment.