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Graduate Programs + EPICS

Graduate Students

For five diverse master’s programs focusing on the creative arts, communication, and leadership, EPICS provides one-on-one career coaching, workshops, and experiential opportunities. To learn more about the programs supported by EPICS, please click on one of the following links:

Career Coaching

EPICS provides empowering, focused coaching to a diverse group of academic programs within the School of Communication. EPICS career coaches are here to help students unlock their potential and develop professionally. Whether acting as a consultant to review resumes or offering strategies for a successful job search, coaching relationships can help students move through their career journey. Career coaches are embedded in the five graduate programs mentioned at the top of this page and provide support and encouragement to students.

Appointments can be made through Handshake.

Professional Development

Some master’s programs require students to complete an internship or experiential component as a requirement for graduation. Currently, the Leadership for the Creative Enterprises, Sound Arts and Industries, and MFA programs have internship requirements. Requirements for this professional development vary by program and students are encouraged to refer to their program of study for specific information. Meet with your EPICS Career Coach to discuss tips for creating a successful internship.

You’ll also register your summer experience with Handshake’s online registration form. To help you register, watch this brief video walking you through the registration process:

Alumni Services

EPICS has joined Handshake, Northwestern University’s career management system. Handshake offers alumni access to jobs from employers across the country. As an alumna/alumnus you can create a Handshake profile by going to: https://northwestern.joinhandshake.com/. Through Handshake, alumni are able to build a profile, create job search notifications, and much more. Alumni who graduated prior to 2018 will need to create an account. You will receive a notification from Handshake when your account has been approved.  

EPICS career coaches can meet with recent graduates for six months post graduation. After that six-month period, graduates have limed access to EPICS career coaches and can schedule up to three 30-minute sessions, depending on a career coach’s schedule. 

Please view availability once your account is activated.

EPICS encourages School of Communication alumni to take advantage of the extensive Northwestern Network available to alumni for networking and mentorship. Alumni have access to Our Northwestern and the Northwestern Network Mentorship Program.  

If you have any questions about Handshake or career services for alumni, please contact EPICS at epics@northwestern.edu.

A note about alumni access to Handshake: Click “Sign up for an Account” below the Handshake icon in the blue box and select “Student/Alumni” as the type of account. Alumni and postdocs must enter their name, email address and create a password to request access. Please allow for up to 5 business days for your alumni/postdoc account to be processed