This is exactly why career tests are so valuable—they provide data-driven insights to help you navigate your options with confidence. Instead of relying on guesswork, you can take a personalized, research-backed assessment that reveals your strengths, interests, and best-fit career paths. And the best part? As an NSCS member, you get exclusive free access to the Universum Career Test 2025!

Why Career Tests Matter

A career test isn’t just a fun personality quiz—it’s a powerful tool that helps you make informed decisions about your future. Here’s how:

Identify Your Strengths: Learn what makes you unique and how your skills translate into different career paths.
Explore Your Best-Fit Career Options: The test connects you with industries and job roles that align with your interests and work preferences.
Gain Insider Insights: See which employers are hiring students like you and what they look for in candidates.
Make Confident Career Moves: Whether you’re picking a major, applying for internships, or preparing for graduation, career insights help you take strategic steps toward success.

An Exclusive Perk for NSCS Members

As a dedicated NSCS member, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Through our partnership with Universum, you have free access to their career-defining assessment—a tool used by students worldwide to refine their career paths.

This exclusive opportunity is only available until June 9th, so don’t miss your chance to get ahead and set yourself up for success.

How to Take the Test

Taking the test is quick and easy:

1⃣ Click the link below.
2⃣ Answer a few questions about your interests, skills, and career goals.
3⃣ Receive a personalized career profile outlining your best-fit industries, roles, and employers.

Take the Universum Career Test Now

Your future career starts with clarity. Take the test today and start exploring the opportunities that match your unique strengths! Stay tuned for more career resources and exclusive NSCS member perks to help you along the way.

Here are five tips inspired by Marlo’s insights to help you make LinkedIn your secret weapon.

1. Make Your LinkedIn Keywords Work Hard for You

Recruiters search for candidates using keywords pulled from job descriptions. Marlo stresses the importance of tailoring your profile to match these terms. Scan job postings in your field and strategically incorporate keywords into your headline, skills, and experience sections to boost your visibility.

2. Highlight Relevant Skills Strategically

Your skills section is more than a list—it’s a way to showcase what sets you apart. Marlo advises pinning the three most relevant skills to the top of your LinkedIn profile. This ensures that recruiters immediately see your top strengths. Don’t forget to ask professors, colleagues, or mentors to endorse these skills for added credibility.

3. Tell a Story with Your Background Photo

Most users stick with LinkedIn’s default background, but Marlo sees this as a missed opportunity. Choose a simple, professional image that reflects your career aspirations. For example, a sleek tech-inspired design could work for aspiring engineers, while a creative abstract might suit marketers or designers.

4. Get Specific with Recommendations

When asking for LinkedIn recommendations, Marlo advises providing your recommenders with specific achievements or skills to highlight. For example:

“Could you mention my leadership skills and the impact I had on [specific project]?”

This ensures that the recommendations align with the story your profile is telling and helps recruiters see your potential.

5. Maximize Your Visibility with LinkedIn Settings

Many job seekers overlook the importance of profile settings. Marlo recommends making sure your profile is public so recruiters can easily find you. Additionally, turn on the “open to work” feature to signal your availability without alerting current employers.

A Career Playbook for the Modern Era

These LinkedIn tips are just one example of the practical guidance Marlo provides in Wanted → My First Career. From creating compelling resumes to nailing your first 90 days on the job, the book covers everything you need to know to build a career that aligns with your passions and goals.

Some of the chapters you can look forward to include:

• “Be Intentional” – How to approach every step of your career with purpose.
• “Assessing What’s Important to You” – Discovering your values and translating them into a fulfilling career.
• “Recruiters Are the Gateway” – Understanding how to connect with and leverage recruiters.
• “Tell a Great Story in Your Cover Letter” – Making your application stand out.

About Marlo Lyons

Marlo Lyons is an award-winning author, career strategist, and executive coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate the complexities of the job market. Her previous book, Wanted → A New Career, won the Eric Hoffer Award for Best Self-Help Book of 2022 and was praised for its empowering and practical advice.

Marlo is a globally certified career coach, HR professional, and licensed lawyer. She regularly contributes to publications like Harvard Business Review, CNN, and Newsweek and has shared her expertise on top podcasts like GrowCFO and The Power In The Pause. You can reach Marlo at www.marlolyonscoaching.com. 

Get your copy of Wanted → My First Career today, available in Kindle, paperback, and audiobook formats. Take the first step toward building a career that reflects who you are!

Leadership Skills Development

NSCS offers numerous programs, workshops, and strength assessment tests designed to develop and enhance your leadership skills. Participating in these opportunities helps you build a strong foundation in leadership, which is highly valued by employers. Developing your ability to lead and inspire others not only sets you apart in the job market but also prepares you for leadership roles in your future career.

LinkedIn Certificate

One of the standout benefits of NSCS membership is the LinkedIn certificate you can earn. This certificate is a valuable addition to your LinkedIn profile and resume, highlighting your commitment to academic excellence and leadership. It makes you stand out in a competitive job market, as potential employers can easily see your dedication and achievements, increasing your chances of securing job interviews and offers.

Career Tools

NSCS provides access to exclusive career tools and resources tailored to help you succeed in your future career. These tools include resume-building workshops, interview preparation sessions, and job search strategies, all designed to give you a competitive edge. By utilizing these resources, you can effectively navigate the job market, present yourself confidently to potential employers, and secure positions that align with your career goals.

Networking Opportunities

Connecting with a network of 1.5 million lifetime NSCS members through the member-only portal opens up a world of opportunities. These connections can lead to mentorships, job offers, and professional collaborations. Networking with fellow members provides valuable insights, support, and guidance, which can be instrumental in your career development and advancement. Building these connections early on can lead to lifelong professional relationships and support networks.

Mentoring

Participating in the Planning to Achieve Collegiate Excellence (PACE) Program and K12 mentoring programs allows you to develop and enhance your leadership and communication skills. Mentoring younger students not only helps them achieve their academic goals but also provides you with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. These experiences are valuable additions to your resume and demonstrate your commitment to giving back to the community, which is attractive to potential employers.

NSCS membership offers a comprehensive suite of benefits that can significantly enhance your post-college planning and career success. From leadership development and career tools to networking opportunities and mentoring, NSCS provides the support and resources you need to confidently step into your future and achieve your professional aspirations. Embrace the opportunities provided by NSCS and chart a successful path to your career goals.

In addition to meeting class standing and grade point average requirements, membership in a collegiate honor society may qualify federal employees for a higher GS level and subsequent increase in pay. It is important for federal employees to consider these provisions when evaluating their career advancement opportunities. As a Federal Employee Pay Upgrade applicant, it is imperative to meet the rigorous eligibility criteria set forth by the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).

It should be noted that membership in a collegiate honor society that meets these minimum requirements will be considered eligible for the upgrade. As an esteemed member of ACHS, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) meets these requirements and our members are qualified for the Federal Employee Pay Upgrade.

Rest assured that joining NSCS is an investment in your future and will provide you with a competitive edge in your career trajectory. As an authoritative reminder, the Federal Employee Pay Upgrade benefit is exclusively governed by federal policy and not within NSCS’s purview. This benefit applies solely to members of NSCS who can sufficiently demonstrate their membership. The determination of GS level and step increases ultimately rests with the federal employer or prospective employer. For any inquiries regarding this policy, we urge you to consult with the human resources department within your agency of employment.

Federal Employee Pay Upgrade is a matter of utmost importance for all federal employees. To be eligible for this upgrade, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the General Schedule Qualification Policies. And in order to achieve Collegiate Honor Society recognition, it is essential that these policies are followed meticulously. Therefore, we encourage all federal employees to thoroughly review and comply with these policies in order to secure their rightful pay upgrade and attain the esteemed recognition of NSCS membership.

As a college student, you are undoubtedly working hard to make the most of your academic experience and build a strong foundation for your future career. One way to enhance your college experience and give yourself an edge in the job market is by joining the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).

Founded in 1994, NSCS is a non-profit honors organization that recognizes and celebrates high-achieving undergraduate students. Membership in NSCS provides students with numerous opportunities and benefits, including:

1. Leadership Development: NSCS provides students with leadership development programs and opportunities to help them develop the skills they need to succeed both in college and in their careers.

2. Scholarship Awards: NSCS offers scholarship awards to its members, helping them offset the cost of tuition and other expenses associated with attending college.

3. Networking Opportunities: NSCS hosts numerous events and activities designed to connect members with one another, as well as with alumni, leaders in their field, and other professionals. This can be a great way to build relationships, expand your network, and gain valuable insights and advice from experienced professionals.

4. Career Resources: NSCS provides members with career resources and support, including resume and cover letter reviews, job search advice, and more. These resources can be especially valuable for students who are just starting out in their careers and looking for guidance and support.

5. Recognition and Honor: By joining NSCS, you are demonstrating to others that you are a dedicated and accomplished student. This can be a great way to gain recognition and respect from others, and to build your reputation both on and off campus.

In addition to these benefits, NSCS also offers members access to exclusive discounts and perks, such as discounts on textbooks, insurance, and travel.

In conclusion, if you are a college student who is dedicated to your academic and career success, then joining the National Society of Collegiate Scholars is a great way to get ahead. With its numerous benefits, opportunities, and resources, NSCS can help you achieve your goals and succeed in all areas of your life. So why wait? Join today and start taking advantage of all that NSCS has to offer!

Work Opportunities

It’s not uncommon for students to struggle when searching for their first post-grad position. Some students are still not sure what field they want to enter. Others know what they want to do, but they have trouble getting their foot in the door. NSCS members are far less likely to run into these difficulties. We like to say that NSCS opens doors – and in more ways than one.

As an NSCS member, you’ll have opportunities to meet experienced professionals and recent graduates in your field. You can network with these people, which often results in job opportunities after graduation. Some NSCS students land internships that later turn into full-time positions. Others meet mentors who connect them with leaders at a local company they’ve always dreamed of working for.

NSCS membership also gives you a chance to identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses. As a result, members emerge with a better idea of how they excel in the workplace and what positions might be right for them. This can be invaluable as you start to look for your first career job.

Mentorship

We encourage NSCS members to find mentors within our community, and to lean on those mentors as they navigate college. But your mentor-mentee relationship does not have to end when you graduate. Many members stay in contact with their mentors for the rest of their lives. It’s comforting to know that you always have someone in your corner who you can reach out to for professional advice as you transition out of student life.

Mentors can help review your resume and cover letters. They can help you choose between multiple job opportunities. They can run through practice interviews and talk you through big career moves. Everyone deserves a good mentor in their life, and NSCS can help you find yours.

Community Mindset

One of the three pillars of NSCS is “service.” Our members are involved in projects throughout the community, and we find this helps them develop and maintain a community-oriented mindset. This mindset follows them throughout the rest of their lives, and it is of great benefit.

Human beings are social creatures, and when they become more involved in the world around them, they thrive. NSCS members graduate with connections to their local community, and also with the skills for form additional connections. As leaders, many of our members volunteer for community organizations, help organize charity fundraisers, and become involved in local government.

Graduates who are involved in their communities help improve their communities – for themselves, for their families, and for others. This community involvement may also help recent graduates form connections that lead to better employment. For instance, you might meet your future employer while volunteering at a local charity run.

NSCS membership certainly enhances the college experience, but it also enhances life after college. As a member, you’ll focus on scholarship, leadership, and service. These three versatile pillars will continue to serve you well as you search for a job, develop your career, and remain a passionate member of your local community. If you’re not yet a member, we hope you join us.

With all that being said, undergraduates are sometimes unsure as to how they should go about finding and applying for job. The following tips should come in handy.

Ask About Work-Study

A good place to start is by talking to your school’s financial aid office about work-study. Most campuses have a work-study program that allows you to work a certain number of hours on-campus. You might work in the cafeteria, staff the campus fitness center, or shelf books at the library. Work-study jobs are perfect for students who live on-campus.

Check With Your Mentors

If you have a mentor, either through your major program or an honors society, mention to them that you are looking for a job. They may know of some entry-level, part-time positions at their place of employment. Or, they may have someone in their network who is looking for a part-time employee. This is a great way to find some entry-level work in your future career field and start building your resume.

Talk to Faculty

Stay after class, or stop by your professors’ office hours. Ask them if they know of any jobs for undergraduates. Some professors hire undergraduate assistants to grade papers for freshman-level courses. If your professor has some local connections in industry, they may be able to point you towards a company that is hiring.

Visit Your School’s Career Office

Most campuses have a career services office. The employees in this office are trained to help students create resumes, develop interviewing skills, and find jobs that are in-line with their skills. While they tend to primarily work with seniors who are about to graduate, they should be able to help undergraduates find part-time work, too. Some career offices even keep lists of on-campus and off-campus jobs for students.

Pass Your Resume Around

If you have not already created a resume, now is the perfect time to do so. Visit your school’s career office if you need any help with this. Once you have a good resume in-hand, it’s time to get it into the hands of others. Leave copies with your professors and ask them to share your resume if they know anyone who might be hiring. Give a copy to each of your mentors. Email a copy to anyone else on your contact list who is involved in your preferred industry. Before long, that resume will land on the desk of someone who wants to hire you.

Attend Job Fairs

Job fairs tend to be targeted to seniors who are about to graduate. However, some companies attend these fairs looking for students to do part-time work. This is a good way to not only find a part-time job, but also get your foot in at a company you may want to work at, in a more full-time capacity, once you graduate.

There are plenty of part-time jobs for undergraduates, but you do have to get out there and look for them. Working while you are in school will certainly pay off, both immediately and down the road in less-tangible ways. Use the ideas above to guide you.

Leadership Positions

Many students, when they first enter college, have never been in a leadership role before. Yet, developing leadership skills is an important part of college. It’s hard for undergraduates to develop as leaders through coursework alone, so NSCS membership gives them extra opportunities to lead.

There are a few different ways to NSCS members to become leaders. Some become chapter officers. This position is available to any current member; students don’t need to have been enrolled for any amount of time before becoming an officer. As such, the positions are welcoming and beneficial for students who are just starting out.

Other students develop their leadership skills through volunteer work. They collaborate with organizations like their local YMCA chapter to do good in the community. Leading activities like this is an excellent introduction to managing a team.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a wonderful way for students to step outside their comfort zone and expand their horizons. However, studying abroad can be expensive without support. NSCS offers several scholarship programs and study abroad arrangements that make this sort of experience more accessible for students.

Former study abroad students have moved abroad after graduation. Some have made international connections allowing them to work abroad. Others have learned foreign languages and put those skills to use.

Speaking Opportunities

Those who can speak clearly and confidently in front of a group are far more likely to be hired into management positions, excel in the workplace, and find success in political roles.

For many students, NSCS membership presents some of the first public speaking opportunities they encounter in college. Some students speak at induction. Others give speeches to their chapters during meetings. The best thing about these speaking engagements is that they are a chance for students to hone their skills in a low-pressure environment. Learning to public speak well is life-changing.

Friendships

The importance of friendship cannot be understated. Friends are people you can bounce ideas off of, turn to for career advice, and collaborate with on school projects. Many people meet people in college who become life-long friends. And NSCS membership is just one more opportunity to make friends who share your passion for academic excellence, service, and leadership.

One struggle some students face in college has to do with meeting students outside of their major. You probably have classes with all of the same people, over and over again. Since NSCS welcomes students from all majors, joining gives you a chance to meet people with more diverse interests. Maybe you’re an engineering student; you can meet people in English and history. Or perhaps you’re an English major. NSCS may be your chance to meet students studying psychology or math.

It can take students some time to adapt to college life. Those who seek out new experiences and always seek to excel tend to get the most out of the experience. Joining NSCS is one way to achieve that. It’s a great way to change your life as an undergraduate.