Native/Indigenous

You are not alone in your career design journey. Here are some tools and resources you can use, but don’t hesitate to reach out for support by participating in coaching groups and the career studio – where your questions can be answered and tailored resources provided! RSVP to attend coaching labs here.

Employer Engagement and Career Design partners offices on campus to provide support for students and alumni with underrepresented racial, cultural, and/or ethnic identities to develop and achieve your career goal.

• Native & Indigenous Affinity Group

Check out the main Diversity & Inclusion Resources page to find more resources.

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 and forums, and job fairs. 

Career Tip: If you cannot find a professional association opportunity 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. 

Business

• 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. 

Healthcare

• 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)

Journalists

• 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. 

Law

• 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.

Science and Engineering

• 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.

Other

• 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.

One of the best ways to network and to find students who share your career goals is to become involved in a student organization on campus! Listed below are a number of student-run professional groups that have a specific interest in Asian American & Pacific Islander issues and student populations. 

• Native & Indigenous Affinity Group

A full listing of NU student organizations can be found online here.

Career resources and support for students among Native & 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 – Study 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.
• U.S. Department of Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs

Check out the main Diversity & Inclusion Resources page to find more resources. 

Because we learn from experience, you can’t just think your way to a fulfilling career: you need to test things out. 

Career Tip: If you cannot find a professional development opportunity 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. 

• Choose a professional association and sign up to attend their upcoming events

Check out NUworks posts co-op, internship, and job listings.