Awards

Awards are presented at the annual Allerton awards ceremony. Although there are several awards, it is not required to award these each year if there are no worthy recipients. Individuals may receive multiple Hire Big10+ awards over the course of their career, but not in the same year. They can receive the same award multiple times, but not if they are with the same institution. 

Recipients must be members of a Hire Big10+ school at the time of nomination. If they are no longer at that institution at the time of the nomination review or awards ceremony, they may still receive the award to recognize their contributions to the career services profession. The nominator will be asked to provide a forwarding email to notify the winner and mailing address to send the physical award. The professional monetary development stipend for the New Professional will not be given to someone who is no longer at a Hire Big10+ school.

The Hire Big10+ recognizes members annually, view the past winners here.

This award is the highest honor an individual can receive within the Hire Big10+ career services network. It recognizes one experienced professional (10+ years) who contributed significantly to the field of career services. The honoree has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to students' career success at the campus level and within the profession at the local, regional, or national level. The honoree must also demonstrate a significant contribution to the field through scholarship, innovative initiatives, or other endeavors impacting career services beyond the local campus community. The successful nomination should include at least two nominating statements by professionals who know the honoree's contributions. 

The recipient receives a plaque, is added to the Bechtel perpetual plaque at the University of Illinois, is recognized at the annual Allerton awards ceremony, and, if possible, an email notification sent to their university and department leadership. The Hire Big10+ consortium does not bestow this award every year. For more information about David S. Bechtel, please see the About section.

One honoree per year.

This award recognizes an individual with five to nine years of full-time experience within career services. The honoree has shown genuine support and regard for students and colleagues, demonstrated an outstanding commitment to students' career success at the campus level, and is active in the profession at the local, regional, or national level. The successful nomination should include at least one nominating statement by a member of their department's senior leadership team or a department peer.

The recipient receives a plaque, recognition at the annual Allerton awards ceremony, and, if possible, an email notification to their department leadership.

One to two honorees per year.

This award recognizes an individual who supervises at least three full-time staff within a career services department for at least one year. The honoree has shown genuine support and regard for their team, promotes teamwork while supporting individual well-being, and has demonstrated a commitment to the professional development of employees. The successful nomination should include at least one nominating statement by an employee currently or recently within their charge.

The recipient receives a plaque, recognition at the annual Allerton awards ceremony, and, if possible, an email notification to their department leadership. 

One to two honorees per year.

This award recognizes an individual who delivers outstanding services that support the work of the career center in administrative, data, events, etc. roles. Their work has had a direct impact on the career outcomes of students, influenced employer engagement, or advanced the mission of the career center. The successful nomination should include at least one nominating statement by a professional who knows the candidate's contributions.

The recipient receives a plaque, recognition at the annual Allerton awards ceremony, a monetary stipend to participate in a conference or professional development opportunity, and, if possible, an email notification addressed to their department leadership.

One to two honorees per year.

This award recognizes an individual with four or fewer years of full-time experience within career services. The honoree delivers outstanding services that impact students on their campus, led at least one project, and has taken on at minimum one responsibility outside of their standard job description. They are a promising future leader within career services and demonstrate significant interest in the field. The successful nomination should include at least one nominating statement by a professional who knows the candidate's contributions.

The recipient receives a plaque, recognition at the annual Allerton awards ceremony, a monetary stipend to participate in a conference or professional development opportunity, and, if possible, an email notification addressed to their department leadership.

Award funds are meant to help retain and develop Hire Big10+ members. Up to $500 will be granted to reimburse the recipient or their department for approved professional development. All expenses to be reimbursed must be itemized. Award funds must be used within one year of receiving the award.

One to two honorees per year.

Individuals are recognized at the annual Allerton awards ceremony. A certificate will be presented. A digital certificate can also be sent if the individual will not be present at the ceremony. 

No limit on the number of recipients.