Future Wildcats
The David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program has created a four-year structure that informs your professional development. There are four events over your four-year career which are required of all student-athletes. Each event is intended to build on the skills learned previously.
Events:
Events:
Consider participating in the Professional Prep Bootcamp, a 6-week accelerated summer program that takes students from exploring their passion to articulating their strengths to crafting a solid resume, cover letter, LinkedIn workshop, and elevator speech
Consider participating in the Kabiller NU for Life Mentoring Program
Apply for I-MAP Award
What resources are available online and on campus to assist in figuring out post-graduate plans
An understanding of what industries or job paths would be a good fit
Events:
Apply for Kabiller Award
Attend Student-Athlete Job & Internship Reception
How to network through meeting with WPEP participants and how to appropriately follow-up with the professionals
Events:
Attend Student-Athlete Job & Internship Reception
Participate in the Senior Celebration Event
Solidify post-graduation plans
Additional Programming
Throughout your four years at NU, there are quarterly opportunities to expand your knowledge of a particular industry, to explore a field you think you might be interested in and speak with alums who will provide insight into their own career path. NU for Life occasionally brings companies to campus specifically to meet with student-athletes. If you are a first-year or sophomore, consider participating in the 6-week summer bootcamp.
Employer Outreach
One of the cornerstones of Kabiller NU for Life is employer outreach. Kabiller NU for Life is constantly contacting, meeting with, and forming partnerships with employers who are looking to employ Northwestern student-athletes. Kabiller NU for Life’s employer relationships exist for the student-athlete population only, while the Northwestern Career Advancement (NCA) employer specialists focus on connecting employers to the entire Northwestern student population. Also, nearly every school at NU boasts its own employer relations department that services students in each of its majors. A well-rounded internship or job search utilizes all three resources, and we encourage you to take some time to understand each of these options.
Internships
One of best ways to learn about your post-graduation career path is through practical experience such as a shadowing opportunity or an internship. Internships have become a staple of the student-athlete experience and are sometimes required by an individual school in order for a student to graduate. Each school offers different opportunities to gain internship experience for credit. Additionally, student-athletes can use internship opportunities earned through Kabiller NU for Life for credit and/or to receive compensation, depending on the employer. Please consult the NU for Life Canvas page for detailed information about each school’s offerings as well as a list of NU for Life’s employer partners.
NU for Life Mentoring Program
A major part of the Kabiller NU for Life program is engaging with former student-athletes. One of the best opportunities to interact with these alums is through a one-on-one relationship as part of the Kabiller NU for Life Mentoring Program, which is supported by the N Club. Matches are made during a student-athletes sophomore year and successful matches can last throughout a student-athletes collegiate career. Prior to matching, Kabiller NU for Life staff conducts 15 minutes interviews with each participating student-athlete to explore desired outcome of the program, ideal mentor qualities, and personality styles to ensure a well-rounded match. Periodic events are coordinated through Kabiller NU for Life, although it is the responsibility of the student-athlete and alumni mentor to grow the interaction into a meaningful relationship for both individuals.
