As many students are aware by now, the Career Development Center decided to contract with NACElink this fall for the management of on-line campus recruiting and job postings. NACElink is the result of several colleges and employers discussing the need for an alternative to commercial products to meet the specific needs of the college recruiting market.
Rensselaer and Purdue have led the way by piloting NACElink on our respective campuses this fall. The price of being a leader is that we are working the “bugs” out of the system as we are using it for the first time. The benefit, of course, is that we get to shape what the system will look like and how it works as we move forward. Students who have been in communication with the CDC know that, as we perfect NACElink, no student has lost an opportunity to interview on campus because of the system. In fact, we have been pleased with the integrity and intuitiveness of the system, even as it is in its developmental phase. This does not mean there have not been issues.
First, I want to emphasize that the CDC staff is available to speak to any student who has questions or needs assistance with NACElink. Walk-in hours are available Monday through Friday from 1 to 3 pm. In addition, the CDC is open Monday evenings until 7 pm. Because on-campus recruiting is such a time sensitive process, it is important that students, employers, and the CDC be in constant communication. This is not just a NACElink issue. As we continue to experience a tight job market, we need to use the resources available to help us generate opportunities and keep our options open.
Second, a list of frequently asked questions, with responses, is available in the CDC and on our web site at www.cdc.rpi.edu. This information is most helpful in navigating NACElink.
Third, complete all the fields presented in the “user profile” whether required by the system or not. Also, check all options in the “Services Desired” portion of the profile. Some students have experienced problems because they have more than one “user profile” in the system. If you have to make changes do so on the existing “profile.”
The Career Development Center will strive to continuously improve NACElink and all our services to students. The system is highly customizable, so we are working hard to become familiar with its features. In the meantime, the CDC pledges to work with all students to make NACElink the best recruiting management system available.
Editor’s Note: This article was contributed to The Poly by Tom Tarantelli, director of the CDC.
