Many universities rely on faculty to advise incoming students, but all first and second-year students at NDSU are assigned a professional academic advisor based on their major. Advisors assist students in selecting courses to ensure a balanced education and they help interpret university and college policies and requirements.

Who is My Advisor?

Students who haven't declared a major or are deciding to change their major will use the Career & Advising Center for support. Undeclared majors receive an advisor in the CAC and take special courses their first year to help narrow their options.

The Career and Advising Center staff offers support to students through numerous services:

• Assisting students in developing resumes and cover letters

• Preparing their “elevator pitch” before approaching employers

• Career Closet – make sure they look as professional as necessary for events

• Mock interviews 

The Career and Advising Center has an online job board called Handshake. You can begin using Handshake shortly after you register for orientation so you can begin looking for jobs on-campus or in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Handshake offers:

• Access to many job opportunities: part-time, full-time, on or off campus, internships, volunteer, and work study. 

• Students will find local opportunities along with opportunities across the nation and even across the globe! 

• Students can learn about employers and access contact information for companies they would like to connect with.  

• Students can manage application materials like resumes and cover letters and apply for positions right in the system.

• Students can stay informed about career fairs and opportunities to connect with employers who come to campus or host informational events about their company (in-person or virtually). 

The CAC organizes the major career fairs that happen on campus. Career fairs are open to current NDSU students and alumni of all majors. These fairs draw over 250 employers and approximately 2,100 students. Employers who attend are seeking to hire students for internships, co-ops, part-time, and full-time positions. Career fairs are a great way to learn about networking, meet employers, talk to industry professionals, and explore opportunities. Many employers offer on-the-spot or day-after interviews for their open positions. 

• The Internship Program allows students to register their internships for credit and is open to all majors. By registering for the Internship Program, students can maintain a full-time student status while engaging in a full-time, off-campus internship or co-op. This means, students can maintain access to all NDSU services on campus, student loans don’t go into repayment, scholarships remain intact, and financial aid is not impacted. 

• The Career and Advising Center has full-time staff members dedicated to helping students find high quality experiences, along with understanding internship requirements for their program of study.