02/02/2021 1:34 pm
Community service and community-based learning shape how young professionals view the meaning of work. The urge to want to help people using one’s career is shared by most individuals. By beginning the journey of volunteerism within the community, a person begins to discover their dearest values while giving back to the people around them.
Will I be able to discuss my volunteerism with future employers?
Yes! In fact, employers look for people who have volunteer experience. Volunteering gives a person experience in a range of different fields and helps them garner valuable assets such as empathy, kindness, work ethic, and time management. These are all important skills to highlight as new graduates enter the professional realm, and make excellent material for a job interview or cover letter.
Can I put my volunteer experience on my resume even though I was not paid?
Of course! Experience on a resume does NOT have to be paid experience. Clubs, sports, and volunteering are all things that employers take into consideration. Because volunteer experiences are typically short-term, you have the opportunity to collect a wide and varied array of them. This can give you a wide range of exposure to different fields along with the ability to garner different skills.
How can I find volunteer opportunities in my area?
There are many ways people can get involved in volunteering. In fact, you may be able to volunteer right on campus! Take a look at the list below of ways to become involved.
You can also connect with one of our community partners, featured below!
National Land Institue: Fall Prairie Harvest Day
Help collect seeds from native wildflowers and grasses at Nygren Wetland Preserve, located at 3190 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL 61072. These seeds will be used in future prairie plantings at Natural Land Institute preserves. Start anytime and work as long as you like during the event hours of 9 AM – 12 PM. Snacks and water will be provided. Dress for the weather, and make sure to wear comfortable closed-toed shoes.
Register to volunteer here. For more information, please contact Kim Johnsen at kjohnsen@naturalland.org or call (815) 964-6666.
Northern Illinois Food Bank
The Northern Illinois Food Bank is looking for volunteers for the Winnebago Community Market (WCM). WCM provides free, nutritious groceries to our neighbors in the Rockford area. Volunteers like YOU allow us to conduct market distributions open to anyone who may need it. Each shift needs approximately ten volunteers to serve our community most effectively. As a distribution volunteer, you will help us run the market by restocking shelves with more food, assisting neighbors with their groceries, and managing shopping carts as clients shop and unload items into their cars. All volunteers are required to wear closed-toed shoes.
If you are interested in volunteering, please visit our website at https://solvehungertoday.org/volunteer-opportunities/ to sign up for a shift. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Beth Finch at mfinch@northernilfoodbank.org or call (630) 443-6910 ext. 237.
KFACT
KFACT is a youth development and holistic mentoring organization for at-risk girls in Rockford. We are looking for volunteers for the following programs:
Learning Lab, every Thursday from 5 PM – 7:30 PM
Learning Lab is KFACT’s free tutoring opportunity. Students in our Safe Girl zone complete homework and study. Students usually receive one-on-one help and sometimes small group tutoring and mentorship. We’re always looking for volunteers to help tutor our girls.
Senior Saturdays, every Saturday starting October 15
Senior Saturdays consist of high-school seniors completing college applications, essays, researching schools, etc. Volunteers who can help in any of those areas are a massive help to us.
KFACT Enrichment, every Tuesday from 5 PM – 7:30 PM
KFACT enrichment is our large group activity. We connect as a large group with the week’s topic with an activity that aligns best. Volunteer duties for enrichment may require a light setup with decorations, supplies, food, etc.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Shamika Williams at Executivedirector@k-fact.org. Volunteers are required to complete a background check and training. Please visit https://k-fact.org or call (779) 772-1367 for more information.
01/30/2020 4:10 pm
Welcome to Rockford University, Regent! We’re looking forward to having you join us on campus. First-Year Programs are designed to support your first-year experience and connect you to the outstanding opportunities that will help you excel at RU and beyond.
Your Regent Experience begins with Registration and Advising, moves into Freshman Orientation, and culminates with a First-Year Seminar class led by your academic advisor and Regent Experience Guides.
First-Year Seminars introduce students to academic inquiry and community that lie at the heart of a liberal arts education. Led by your Freshman Advisor and supported by Regent Experience Guides, each FYS class will:
Regent Experience Guides (Reggies) are current students who provide advice, guidance, and connection to first-year students. As a first-year student, your Reggies will support your academic and social experiences at Freshman Orientation & Retreat, First-Year Seminar class, and beyond. Reggies can:
05/13/2019 9:49 am
Orientation is required for all incoming Freshman students. Throughout Orientation, you will learn about valuable resources on campus and beyond, interact with a variety of student leaders, and participate in unique social experiences to make lasting connections with your classmates.
Coming Soon!
Freshman Orientation runs from Saturday, August 17 through Tuesday, August 20. Your last day of work should be prior to August 17 or ask for August 17-20 off of work.
There is no cost for students to attend Freshman Orientation.
We will be able to accommodate all dietary needs. Please mark this on your Freshman Orientation registration form.
Contact Alex Johnson, Assistant Dean of Student Involvement and Orientation at apjohnson@rockford.edu or 815-394-5035.
01/09/2019 2:06 pm
Student Leadership is an important aspect of what students can experience here at Rockford University. Discovering and refining one’s talents and abilities is one of the primary reasons for attending college. Within the Student Life Division, Rockford University maintains a Student Leadership Program (SLP) in order to promote leadership development amongst students. RU’s Student Leadership Program is comprised of a wide range of opportunities. These opportunities provide students with possibilities that fit their schedules, their experience levels, and their interests. Each year, those doing research around what employers are looking for, report that skills around team-work, creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving are greatly desired. Rockford University’s Student Leadership Program is focused on developing such skills. As a result of participating in RU’s Student Leadership Program, students will:
It is the goal of the Student Life Division that those students who participate in RU’s Student Leadership Program not only have an experience that changes their lives, but that through their service they encounter the joy, meaning, and significance that comes from meeting the needs of others.
January 2024
January 5th: Applications available on Rockford.edu/StudentLeadership
January 31st: Applications due by 11:59 pm
February 2024
February 1st: Interviewing Scheduling
February 4th: Student Leader Group Processing from 6:00-8:00 pm
February 5th: Student Leader Group Processing from 6:00-8:00 pm
(Students choose one of these dates when submitting their application)
March 2024
March 1st: Offer Letters sent to students via email
March 15th: Online acceptance letters due
April 2024
April 11th: 2024-2024 Student Leadership meeting – time to be determined
“I love being in CAB because we are able to create extraordinary events where the students can have fun and make memories that they will enjoy reflecting upon for many years to come. Some of my favorite memories include the Star Wars Thanksgiving Dinner and the White Elephant Bingo night.” -Kyle Reed, ’25
“Getting to be a part of Commuter Council has been the greatest opportunity of my college career. It has allowed me to grow in my leadership and professional skills all while creating wonderful memories and relationships. Planning fun events and providing support for students makes this role even more worthwhile!” – Celia Rothermel, 23′
“The Resident assistant position provides many growth opportunities; one thing that the RA position has provided me is adaptation skills to learn and adjust to different situations.”
-Vern McKinley, ‘23
“Being a Regent Experience Guide was a good opportunity for me to share my college experiences with new, mostly freshmen students. I particularly liked the responsibility that accompanied the position. I definitely am glad I chose to be a Reggie.” – Alex Boilleau, 24′
“Together, we move forward. In collaboration we improve the student body experience. This statement is one that I stand by as the President of the Student Government Association. All voices matter, I and SGA as a whole are here to empower your voice.” – Nor Alamery, ’24
07/02/2018 1:20 pm
02/17/2017 9:53 am
Wednesday, March 16, 1:00-4:00 pm at Rockford University in Regent’s Hall
Rockford University and Rock Valley College present a Career Exploration & Job Fair! Join us on Wednesday, March 16 from 1-4 pm to explore career opportunities and chat with employers. Learn more about the event and participating employers below.
Attendees are strongly encouraged to have a resume ready to send and dress in professional attire. Resume assistance is available by contacting RU Career Services at careers@rockford.edu.
Have a question? Contact Career Services at 815-226-4022 or careers@rockford.edu
11/08/2016 12:14 pm
In collaboration with faculty, staff, and various off-campus partners, the Rockford University Career Development office equips students and alumni to be strategic and career ready.
Career Development is not just a department or one-stop center, but an enabling process that starts when you first arrive at RU. While you are on campus, you develop and learn more of who you are and what you aspire to be—and Career Development can help with that!
Career Development can help students and alumni through:
Like you, we are focused on your personal and professional development as a whole person. We are here to help you find your ROCK SOLID PROFESSION, as well as to help you identify the ways you can make meaningful and sustained contributions to the world both now and in the future.
Rockford University uses Handshake as its official resume and job posting service. Students and Alumni, create your account profile at joinhandshake.com to:
Learn how to complete your Handshake profile here!
RU Career Department has partnered with PathwayU, an online career counseling companion. PathwayU guides users toward discovering purpose and meaning while exploring majors and occupations that align with their interests, personality, values, and workplace preferences. PathwayU offers:
Rockford University students, staff, faculty, and alumni are eligible to use PathwayU.
Our monthly newsletter, sent by email to all RU students, can now be accessed 24/7. Click on the links below for fun and free career resources, including interactive quizzes, podcasts, articles, internship opportunities, and even alumni features!
Career Development
Burpee, Student Life Suite
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-4287
Chelsea Minor
Director of Career Development and First-Year Programs
cminor@rockford.edu
815.226.4022
Hours:
Mon-Fri – 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
An important step in the process of career research and planning is that of self-exploration. This process helps identify one’s skills, interests, values, and aptitudes as they pertain to work and career decisions. This process has the potential to foster the type of self-awareness and self-reflection that are invaluable to college and career readiness.
Major Exploration
Need help deciding on a major that fits your interests, skills and career goals? Using our interest assessment tests and expert knowledge of RU majors and careers, Career Development can help you discover your options and decide on an academic major. Finding and declaring a major should be a thoughtful process and we offer a variety of free resources to help.
Career Exploration through Illinois Career Information System Website
Get Involved at Rockford University: Support Your Growth, Learn Skills, and Get Connected!
Articles and Resources for Additional Support
On-campus jobs are often a great choice for students looking for a part-time job. To learn about Student Employment at Rockford University, please click here.
To explore on-campus career opportunities, please reach out to the Career Development Office.
Traditional Internships
Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom — participating in internships can provide students with a wealth of other benefits. Benefits of internships include:
Micro Internships
Micro-Internships are short-term, paid, professional assignments that are similar to those given to new hires or interns. These projects enable Career Launchers to demonstrate skills, explore career paths, and build their networks as they seek the right full-time role. Unlike traditional internships, Micro-Internships can take place year-round, typically range from 5 to 40 hours of work, and are due between one week and one month after kick-off. Micro-Internships are used by companies ranging from those in the Fortune 100 to emerging start-ups, and go across departments including sales, marketing, technology, HR, and finance.
How Can I Apply for a Micro Internship?
Through Parker Dewey! Parker Dewey connects employers with students interested in short-term projects. These jobs range from 5 to 40 hours of work and can pay anywhere from $15-$25 per hour. These micro-internships can give you real life experience, insight into career fields, and experiences to put on your resume. And the coolest part – you can build relationships that can turn into careers.
Interested students are encouraged to:
Volunteer while at Rockford University!
The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) provides opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to expand and apply their knowledge while being civically engaged through service projects, volunteer opportunities, and programs.
Why Volunteer?
According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteering is associated with a 27% higher odds of employment. Employers are 82% more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience and 85% more likely to overlook resume flaws when the candidate’s resume includes volunteer experience. Students that enter the workforce with volunteer experience are not only boosting their resumes but are effectively standing-out among other potential (and equally qualified) candidates when it’s finally time to fill these open positions.
A resume is a living document that is used to outline your experiences (professional, academic, extracurricular) and the skills you have acquired as a result. Think of your resume as a kind of advertisement for yourself: a strong resume should make the reader want to meet and interview you.
The Office of Career Development can provide feedback on your resume. Draft a resume using one of our templates or provide one you’ve already created for a professional review within 2-3 business days.
Resume Resources
A cover letter should complement, not duplicate, your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch to your application for employment. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression. Something that might seem like a small error, like a typo, can get your application immediately knocked off the list. On the other hand, even if your cover letter is error-free and perfectly written, if it is generic (and makes no reference to the company, or to any specifics in the job description) it is also likely to be rejected by a hiring manager.
The Office of Career Development can provide feedback on your cover letter. Draft a cover letter using one of our templates or provide one you’ve already created for a professional review within 2-3 business days.
Cover Letter Resources
Complete Resume and Cover Letter Guide (pdf)
Acing a job interview has much to do with the way you prepare as it does your poise and confidence in the interview chair.
You should spend the time leading up to your interview learning as much as you can about the company you’re applying to, from the company’s culture to the interview questions that are likely to be asked. If your research is thorough, you will be in a great position to ace your job interview and get the job you’ve been dreaming of.
Prepare the Right Way!
Resume
Interviewing
Rockford University uses Handshake as its official resume and job posting service. Students, create your account profile at joinhandshake.com to:
Learn how to set up your profile here!
Search Strategies
Consider the following strategies in your search:
Resources
Conduct an Ethical Job Search
Based on guidelines from the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Principles for Professional Conduct Committee:
General Employment Databases
Government Jobs
Other Employment Databases
Interviewing
Applying for Jobs
Accepting a Job
Tips for Continued Success
10/28/2016 3:37 pm
Career Development
Burpee Student Center -- Student Life Suite
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-4287Chelsea Minor
Director of Career Development and First Year Programs
815.226.4022, cminor@rockford.eduHours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
10/28/2016 3:32 pm
Rockford University provides Handshake, an online career platform, as an exclusive service to students and recent alumni, as well as employers seeking to hire RU students and recent graduates for career-related jobs or internships in addition to part-time, on-campus student employment, and volunteer positions.
Employers can set up a Handshake account today! Here are the steps.
If you have questions or would like to post, contact Career Services. Please include the following information:
The Career Development Office will provide services and resources for recruiting opportunities to employers provided they acknowledge and meet the following requirements:
Additionally, Career Development welcomes the opportunity to team with employers to recruit and hold interviews on campus. Due to COVID-19, some restrictions apply. Please contact the Office of Career Development.
Rock Valley College and Rockford University partner together to host two Career and Internship Fairs each year. The Fall Fair is located on the campus of Rock Valley College, and the Spring Fair is located on the campus of Rockford University.
The 2022 fall career fair will be held at Rock Valley College. For more information, please contact the Office of Career Development.
Career Development
Burpee Student Center -- Student Life Suite
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-4287Chelsea Minor
Director of Career Development and First Year Programs
815.226.4022, cminor@rockford.eduHours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
10/28/2016 3:28 pm
Just because you are out of sight concerning being on campus does not mean that you are out of mind! We are still here to assist our alumni as well.
Do you feel like your resume is not sealing the deal for you? No problem! We can help you enhance your resume and cover letter. Some people make the mistake of not truly understanding the importance of a resume. It is the forerunner to your success in landing a new job – so it’s important that it’s free from grammatical errors and that it expresses who you are and what you can do. It is most beneficial to set up a one-on-one appointment – however, you may also e-mail your documents to the address below for review and we will respond to you within 24-48 hours.
We offer practice interviews for alumni as well! Your interview will be recorded so that you are able to develop a greater awareness of your non-verbal behaviors, because a lot of what you say does not come out of your mouth! Additionally, you will be asked specific questions relating to the job you are seeking so that you can be better prepared when participating in a formal interview.
We offer job search assistance! Rockford University uses College Central Network as its official resume and job posting service. Students and Alumni, create your account profile at www.collegecentral.com/Rockford to:
Career Development
Burpee Student Center -- Student Life Suite
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-394-4287Chelsea Minor
Director of Career Development and First Year Programs
815.226.4022, cminor@rockford.eduHours:
Mon-Fri - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
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