Career Advising FAQ's

Q: How do I schedule an appointment with a career advisor?

A: All appointments with career advisors can be scheduled through Handshake. Please follow the steps below to set up an appointment today.

1. Log on to the NLU portal, at my.nl.edu
2. On the Student Services tab, click the Handshake logo
3. Click the National Louis University button.  You're in!
4. Click the Career Center tab then select Appointments
5. Click the "Schedule a new Appointment" button.
6. Follow the prompts, select a career advisor and time slot, and then click request.

Your career advisor will approve your request ASAP and additional details will be sent through email.

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact Career Bridge at 312-261-3270 or careerbridge@nl.edu.

Q: Can I see a career advisor today?

A: As much as we would like to see you today, we may already be scheduled to meet with other students. Our career advisors are committed to providing the best experience possible and need at least a three-day business notice for all document reviews. We use this time to thoroughly review your document so your feedback and experience will be individualized and offer strategic input for your career development and search. 

During high peak seasons, around job fairs and all campus events, you may need to plan a little earlier and request appointments at least 1-2 weeks in advance. If you are setting up an appointment as part of a class assignment, please indicate that when you request your appointment and we will schedule them on a first come first served basis. We will continue to work diligently to process all requests as quickly as possible and look forward to working with you soon!

In the meantime, please check out these helpful resources. 

Q: Do you offer other services beside resume reviews?

A: Oh yes! Career Bridge Career Advisors offer individual appointments to students and alumni during all phases of their career development and preparation. These appointments are offered through in-person, phone, zoom, or email. Typically, in-person is first offered, but due to students’ schedules and preferences, other appointment types are suggested.

Students can meet with advisors on the following topics:

• Initial Meeting
• Creating an Effective Thank You Letter
• Networking Tips
• Letter of Intent
• Support for Internships
• Following Up with Employers
• Personal Statements for Graduate School
• Job Fair Preparation
• Practice Interviews
• Completing an Online Application
• Career Exploration
• Cover Letter Review
• LinkedIn
• Job Search Strategies
• Professional Branding
• Informational Interviewing
• Parker-Dewey Internship

Q: Do you provide direct placement in an organization?

A: Unfortunately, we do not place students in a position. Employers will typically prefer to screen and interview all candidates themselves. However, we do spend ample time reaching out to employers on your behalf to draw in new opportunities for all students, as well as prepare and support students through our array of services. Make sure to check out Handshake for thousands of opportunities.

Q: Where can I find resume and cover letter samples?

A: No need to search further, here you go!

Q: What format should I upload my resume to handshake?

A: All documents should be uploaded through Microsoft Word only so we can add our edits and comments. This also makes is easier for you to add any necessary changes.

Q: I sent my resume for a review, when will I get my resume back?

A: We have a three-day business day turn around for all documents uploaded on handshake. However, this may be longer during high-peak months when we host career fairs.

Q: I have to send my resume to Career Bridge for a class assignment. What is the best way to do that?

A: Please provide your career advisor a three-day business notice to thoroughly review your document and provide feedback for your resume. We require you to schedule an appointment to review your document with a career advisor. We do not simply send you resume feedback without one to ensure such feedback is fully understood. You can schedule an appointment on your own using Handshake or you can contact our office Monday through Friday (9am-4pm) at 312-261-3270 or careerbridge@nl.edu

Q: How do I register for career fairs, webinars, and workshops?

A: All events can be found on the events tab on the left hand side of the Handshake home page. Simply click events, your preferred event, then click join event.

Q:I was not able to attend the job fair. How can I receive information about it?

A: Feel free to see what opportunities were shared by logging onto Handshake. You can view the employers that attended, and then reach out personally with your resume for the jobs posted by the employer. If you would like more guidance, please reach out to the Career Bridge and speak with a career advisor.

Q: Where is the Career Bridge located? What are the office hours?

A: The Career Bridge offices are at several campuses including Chicago, Wheeling, Goose Island, and Lisle.  The Chicago Campus location is next to the Den/Student Center found on the 6th floor, Room 6030.  The Wheeling Campus location is on the 3rd Floor, Room 340.  The Lisle Campus location is on the 2nd Floor, Room 222.  The Goose Island location is on the 2nd Floor, Room 233.  

All locations' office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Q: What if I cannot get to campus before 5:00 pm?

A: If you are unable to meet in-person, career advisors are more than happy to meet with you by phone, zoom, or email during your break or lunch time if that works better for you.