Career Excellence Awards Categories

Nominations are being accepted through April 7 for each of the following categories. An individual may also self-submit an application. An individual or team may be considered for multiple award categories.

• Employer of the Year

  The Employer of the Year award is presented to two employers, one for-profit and one non-profit, who demonstrated exceptional dedication to developing Redbirds’ career readiness and to seeking Redbird candidates for their organization. This employer has frequently engaged with the Illinois State community through attendance at career fairs and at Career Services programs, through information sessions or tabling events, social media, or other methods of engagement.

  Anyone can nominate for this category

• Career Champion of the Year

  The Career Champion of the Year award is presented to an individual, Illinois State faculty/staff member, team, committee, or department who remained steadfast in developing students’ career skills and proactively promoted Career Services programs, events, and/or services.

  Anyone can nominate for this category

• Intern of the Year 

  Intern of the year is presented to a student who participated in an internship during summer 2024, fall 2024, and/or spring 2025. This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional knowledge and/or growth in any of the NACE Competencies.

  Anyone can nominate for this category

• Career Services Student Staff Member of the Year

  Career Services Student Staff Member of the Year is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student staff member who embodied the Career Services values of collaboration, learning and development, innovation, and quality. This individual has demonstrated a commitment to their own professional growth by participating in career events or advising beyond their primary responsibilities.

  Anyone can nominate for this category

• Career Services Staff Member of the Year 

  Career Services Staff Member of the Year is awarded to a full-time staff member who has embodied the Career Services values of collaboration, learning and development, innovation, and quality.

  Anyone can nominate for this category

• RSO of the Year

  RSO of the year is presented to a Registered Student Organization that showed significant engagement with Career Services through presentation requests, partnering on programs and events, or reaching out for additional resources and support.

  Anyone can nominate for the this category

• Internship Coordinator of the Year 

  Internship Coordinator of the Year is presented to an individual faculty/staff member whose role involves working with interns or other experiential learning students. This individual has demonstrated a commitment to career readiness by sharing information from Career Services, requesting presentations, hosting career programs or events, or taking other actions. 

  Anyone can nominate for this category

• Engaged Alumni Award 

  Engaged Alumni Award is presented to an Illinois State alum who, after graduation, showed a strong commitment to career readiness by engaging with Career Services through attendance at career fairs and at Career Services programs, through information sessions or tabling events, social media, or through other methods of engagement.

  Only students, faculty and staff can nominate for this category