Welcome to the business graduate Community!
This community is your resource to explore opportunities as a graduate student with the FCB. This page will provide information that will assist your learning about industries in business through events, online tools and curated news updates. Additionally, you can gain access to networking, internship and job opportunities to advance your career. We also recommend that you visit the Career Communities section to access information on specialized industries including accounting, business analytics, economics, finance, information systems, management and marketing. The Graduate College teaches robust skills that graduate students need in pursuing their degree and an impacting career after graduation. To view the Professional Development workshops and opportunities they offer outside the FCB visit: NAU Graduate College. We look forward to helping you make informed academic and professional decisions by find meaningful ways to connect with the masters community at The W. A. Franke College of Business.
Organizations need leaders—people who can effectively manage organizations and the people in them, as well as develop and implement strategies that will lead to success. Gain the knowledge and skills managers need to deal with contemporary challenges including leading and motivating people, decision making, developing strategies for competing in the global economy, balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders in complex, legal, political, and ethical environments, and leading change. The varied career opportunities across all industries are endless.
It is important to take proactive steps now to ensure success towards this professional goal. Begin by writing a résumé in order to increase your chances of getting an internship or first job. Your résumé should highlight your experience, showcase your hard and soft skills and connect your skills and abilities to the job market. A well-crafted résumé should help you stand out amongst others!
The FCB Career Development Office is here to assist all FCB graduate programs and we look forward to working with you.
Schedule an appointment with one of our Career Coaches to help you along your path!
Build Your Competitive Edge: Beyond the Classroom
Standing out in today’s job market requires more than strong grades. Employers actively seek candidates who’ve gained practical experience and demonstrated initiative outside the classroom. Here’s how to build a compelling portfolio of experiences that will set you apart from other applicants. Don’t forget to add these to your résumé!
Don’t wait until graduation to start building your professional profile. The experiences you gain today become the competitive advantages that land you tomorrow’s opportunities.
Hands-On Experience Opportunities
Get real-world experience without leaving campus with Forage and Parker Dewey through this website. These platforms offer company-sponsored simulations and short-term projects that let you work on actual business challenges. Complete projects from top employers and add legitimate professional experience to your résumé.
Get started: frankecareer.nau.edu/experiences/
Your NAU email gives you free access to Udemy’s extensive library of industry-recognized certification courses. From digital marketing to data analysis, these credentials demonstrate your commitment to professional development and can significantly strengthen your candidacy.
Access training: in.nau.edu/its/udemy/
The internship application cycle starts earlier than most students realize. Many companies begin posting summer positions in August for the following year. Start your search early through Handshake to access exclusive opportunities and increase your chances of landing competitive positions.
Browse opportunities: nau.joinhandshake.com/explore
Get certified in industry specific technology.
Core Accounting Software
- Accounting software: This is the foundation of any accounting professional’s toolkit. Examples include QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, and NetSuite.
- Spreadsheet software: Excel remains a crucial tool for data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting.
Emerging Technologies
- Cloud computing: Cloud-based accounting software offers flexibility, scalability, and remote access.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: These technologies can automate tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and fraud detection.
- Blockchain: Blockchain technology provides a secure and transparent way to record transactions, making it valuable for auditing and financial reporting.
- Data analytics and visualization: Accountants need to be able to analyze large datasets and present findings in a clear and understandable way.
Robotic process automation (RPA): RPA can automate repetitive tasks, freeing up accountants to focus on higher-value work.
Access training through:
The field of business analytics is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements. Here are some key technologies that graduating university students should be familiar with:
Core Business Analytics Software
- Statistical software: R and Python are widely used for statistical analysis, data visualization, and machine learning.
- Data mining and data warehousing tools: These tools help extract insights from large datasets.
- Business intelligence (BI) tools: Tools like Tableau and Power BI are used to create interactive dashboards and reports.
Emerging Technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI and machine learning algorithms can be used for tasks like predictive modeling, customer segmentation, and fraud detection.
- Natural language processing (NLP): NLP can be used to analyze text data, such as customer reviews and social media posts.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices generate vast amounts of data that can be analyzed to gain insights into customer behavior and business operations.
- Cloud computing: Cloud-based platforms offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for business analytics.
Additional Skills
- Data visualization: The ability to present data in a clear and understandable way is essential.
- Data cleaning and preparation: Data must be cleaned and prepared before it can be analyzed.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: Business analysts need to be able to identify problems and develop solutions.
Access training through:
The field of information technology (IT) is constantly evolving, driven by rapid technological advancements. Here are some key technologies that graduating university students should be familiar with:
Core IT Technologies
- Programming languages: Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript are among the most widely used programming languages.
- Database management systems: SQL is essential for working with relational databases.
- Operating systems: Windows, Linux, and macOS are common operating systems.
- Networking technologies: Understanding networking concepts, protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP), and technologies (Wi-Fi, Ethernet) is crucial.
- Cybersecurity fundamentals: Basic knowledge of cybersecurity principles, threats, and best practices is essential.
Emerging Technologies
- Cloud computing: Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) offer scalable and flexible IT infrastructure.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: These technologies are used for tasks like natural language processing, image recognition, and predictive analytics.
- Big data analytics: Tools like Hadoop and Spark are used to analyze large datasets.
- Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices generate vast amounts of data that can be analyzed to gain insights.
- Cybersecurity: Advanced cybersecurity skills, including threat intelligence, incident response, and penetration testing, are in high demand.
Additional Skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking: IT professionals need to be able to troubleshoot complex problems and think critically.
- Collaboration and teamwork: IT often involves working in teams to develop and maintain systems.
- Lifelong learning: The IT field is constantly evolving, so IT professionals need to be committed to lifelong learning.
Access training through:
Join major-specific FCB student groups to build your professional network, develop leadership skills, and connect with industry professionals. These organizations often provide exclusive networking events, company visits, and mentorship opportunities.
Explore groups: frankecareer.nau.edu/organizations/
View a list of both on and off campus opportunities with NAU to start building your experience. These include hands on, real work situations that are gained through internships, externships, volunteering, case studies, project work and more. These experiences can be added to your résumé to show employers your skills.
Browse opportunities: https://frankecareer.nau.edu/resources/experiential-hands-on-learning-opportunities
The FCB CDO is here to support your journey:
- Discover opportunities that align with your career goals
- Review and refine your résumé to highlight new experiences
- Practice interview skills and build confidence
- Develop a strategic career plan that maximizes your potential
