The Job Search
The SCE career development office offers resources to support your job search starting your first year, so don’t wait! Whether you’re seeking internships, co-ops, or full-time positions after graduation, engaging early and consistently with career services can help you build confidence, sharpen your application materials, and establish strong employer connections.
The fall semester is the busiest recruiting season for engineering internships and full-time roles. Many top employers begin hiring in September, interviewing and selecting students for summer internships or entry-level roles months in advance. While the spring career fair (usually in February) also draws strong participation, many companies will have already completed much of their hiring by then. It often comes as a surprise to students just how early they need to start but the key is being proactive. Many full-time job offers are extended to students who previously interned with the company, highlighting the importance of early engagement and planning.
While we don’t offer job placement, NAU provides numerous opportunities to meet recruiters, attend company info sessions, and participate in career fairs and networking events. Students secure jobs through various paths, some land roles through faculty referrals, student organizations, or personal contacts, while others apply to jobs listed in Handshake, NAU’s official job and internship portal that’s updated daily by employers seeking NAU students.
Top Job Search Resources for Engineering Students:
- Handshake – The most targeted platform for NAU students. Employers posting here understand student skill levels and hiring timelines.
- LinkedIn – Build your profile, connect with alumni, and follow companies in your industry.
- Engineering-Specific Job Boards – Sites like IEEE Job Site, EngineerJobs, Built In, or TechCareers cater to specific engineering disciplines.
- Indeed and Glassdoor – Great for broad searches across industries and locations.
- Company Career Pages – Visit the websites of organizations you’re interested in and explore their careers or university hiring sections.
The Career Development Office can help you explore niche sites based on your engineering discipline, whether you’re focused on software, civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering.
Stay Connected and Informed
Follow NAU Career Development on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming career fairs, info sessions, networking events, and job/internship postings. Bookmark important links early in the semester to avoid missing deadlines, and take advantage of virtual events and employer panels to expand your network.
