Career exploration and advancement are closely tied to one’s intersections of identity. The best Northeastern resource for career-related topics will be the Office of Employer Engagement and Career Design. Reach out to them for support in coaching groups and the Career Studio, which can provide one-on-one support to questions and tailored resources. They also offer many different coaching labs, which you can RSVP for here or on NUworks.
Northeastern Resources
Many offices at Northeastern will help you with identity related resources. NU PLACE has partnered with the following group to provide support for students and alumni with underrepresented racial, cultural, and/or ethnic identities to develop and achieve your career goals:
Check out the main Career Resources page for more resources.
Professional Associations
Professional associations are a great way to make connections, look for jobs, and further your own professional development. These groups unite and inform people who work in the same industry or profession. There are many advantages to joining associations such as networking opportunities, conferences, forums, and job fairs.
If you cannot find a professional association that fits with your industry/profession below, conduct a web search to look up “Professional Association” along with your industry/profession title. You can also network with professionals to learn about opportunities within your specific industry/profession.
- American Indigenous Business Leaders (AIBL) – AIBL is the only American Indigenous non-profit organization solely dedicated to empowering business students in the United States. Our programs are designed to engage students in activities that stimulate, enhance, and expand educational experiences beyond traditional academic methods.
- Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) – NAFOA is committed to supporting tribal economies through sound economic and fiscal policy, innovative learning opportunities, convening thought leadership, and developing resources for tribes that strengthen governance and exercise sovereignty.
- National Native American Law Students Association (NNALSA) – NNALSA provides a network for law students to build relationships and offers friendly support throughout their legal studies.
- National Native American Bar Association – The National Native American Bar Association serves as the national association for Native American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. Founded in 1973 as the American Indian Lawyers Association, NNABA works to promote issues important to the Native American community and works to improve professional opportunities for Native American lawyers.
- National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association (NANAINA) – NANAINA’s mission is to unite American Indian/Alaska Native nurses and those who care for AN/AI people to improve the health and well-being of American Indian/Alaska Native people. (Student Membership $10)
- Native American Journalists Association (NAJA) – NAJA serves and empowers Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures. Includes job boards and opportunities for fellowships, conferences, and scholarships.
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) – AISES’s mission is to promote the highest standards of education and professional excellence to widen the STEM workforce and grow sector support. They provide opportunities for scholarships, internships, career resources, the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair, and more.
- Advancing Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) – SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.
- Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) – Women Empowering Women for Indian Nations (WEWIN) exists to provide Native women with the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to achieve success in their personal and professional lives. The WEWIN Annual Conference is an opportunity for Native women to engage in professional renewal, inspire others, and network.
Northeastern Student Organizations
One of the best ways to network and to find students who share your career goals is to become involved in a student organization! Listed below are a number of student-run professional groups that have a specific interest in the diverse Native American and Indigenous student populations:
A full listing of NU student organizations can be found online here.
Career Resources
Career resources and support for students among Native American/Indigenous identities:
- American Indian Graduate Center – Fellowships and scholarships for continuing education.
- Jopwell – Career advancement platform for Black, Latinx, and Native American students & professionals. Includes jobs & internships search feature with their partner companies.
- Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness (MCNAA) – MCNAA provides virtual events, scholarships, and resources for Native American college students.
- Native American Village – Featured job openings.
- Native American Jobs – Provides employment opportunities for all people from diverse, indigenous, and minority cultures.
- National Congress of American Indians, Jobs – Here is a long list of job opportunities submitted by employers that are American Indian, Native Hawaiian or Alaska Native businesses, governments, or organizations.
- NativeHire – This search tool was designed to streamline the job search process for its applicants by working with employers who are actively looking to hire Native Americans.
- Shtudy – Shtudy screens and trains qualified Black, Latinx, and Native American software engineering job seekers and then match them with tech recruiters at Fortune 500 companies and high growth startups who support diverse and inclusive work cultures.
- Top 21 Native American Organizations
- USA Jobs, Native Americans – If you are an American Indian or an Alaskan Native who is also a member of one of the federally recognized tribes, you may be eligible for Indian Preference in your job search. This webpage of the US Government USA Jobs website will help you to determine eligibility and to find a respective job.
- S. Department of Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs
Additional career resources can be found on the main Career Resources page.
Opportunities for Professional Development
Because we learn from experience, you can’t just think your way to a fulfilling career: you need to test things out!
If you cannot find a professional development opportunity that fits with your industry/profession below, conduct a web search to look up “professional development” along with your industry/profession title. You can also network with professionals to learn about opportunities within your specific industry/profession.
- Watch NUworks for co-ops, internships, and job listings.
- Choose a professional association and sign up to attend their upcoming events.