The best way to learn about a job is from someone who has it, and in C-Squared, we make the connection so you can have the conversation. For this spring event, we invite juniors, seniors, and graduate students to sign up for informational interviews with SIS alumni.

We host our Industry Spotlight Series for graduate students during Fall Break in October. For this event, we connect small groups of students with several different employers for career exploration. These informational visits offer exposure to various workplaces, career paths, and opportunities through discussions with employees.

Each spring, our Job Search Group gives graduate students and recent alumni access to a support network and the skills and tools needed for a sustainable, effective job search.

During spring break, we give students the opportunity to spend a full or half day on the job with an alum. Visits may include observing daily work, an office tour, sitting in on meetings and/or helping with events, and informational interviews with other employees at the organization.

Jump Start January is a half-day reverse hiring simulation and networking event for SIS graduate students. Participants work in teams to “hire” the strongest candidate for a fictional job and learn about best practices as they review applications, interviews, and offer negotiations with guidance and support from alumni mentors.

The SIS Mentoring Program connects students with alumni mentors for one academic year. Our volunteer mentors help students explore post-graduation pathways, learn how to create networks that support their goals, and move towards their next professionals steps. The program is open to juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Students and alumni do not need to be based in the DC area to participate.

We partner with international relations recruiters to host a day of mock interviews in March called Mock Interview Madness. These practice interviews help students develop effective interviewing skills, learn how to answer difficult questions, and reduce stress before an actual interview.

Our networking events are designed to help you connect with career advisors, fellow students, and alumni, participate in discussions around the career-related challenges and concerns you are facing, and learn about opportunities and best practices. To see a list of upcoming events, search Handshake Events for keyword SIS.

The AU Career Center hosts employer-in-residence, on-campus interviews, and employer meet-ups and pop-ups to help students and alumni connect with recruiters and hiring managers.

The AU Career Center plans the AU Job & Internship Fair every fall and spring to give employers the opportunity to meet talented students and alumni seeking internships and jobs.

Faculty who find themselves unavailable to hold class are invited to request a career advisor and/or alumni guest speaker to present to their students. Topics covered can include career exploration, résumé and cover letter writing, networking, internships, job search strategy, interviewing, and offer negotiation. Our team is also happy to moderate discussions with one or more alumni to showcase career pathways and offer information and advice relevant to course material. Faculty may submit requests to Shaine Cunningham, Director of Career Education & Employer Relations, at scunningham@american.edu.