THE HIRED EDGE NEWSLETTER: Transforming Learners into Leaders

The Hired Edge is a once-per-week newsletter with a simple goal: Equip university students and alumni with clear, practical knowledge, tools, and opportunities for career and professional development.

Sponsored by North Light AI, you can expect to find the following in our publication:

• Insider tips from industry professionals

• Information specifically for international students

• Internship and job opportunities

• Practical skill-building resources

• Networking Opportunities

• And much more

Brief Background of The Hired Edge

My name is Andrew Mitchell and I am the Co-Founder and President of North Light AI. I spent almost fifteen years in higher education at the University of New Hampshire, both as an instructor and an administrator, advising students on experiential learning, career opportunities, and more.

Based on that experience, here are the Top 10 Challenges my students faced:

1. Lack of personalized guidance tailored to individual career goals and interests, particularly for international students

2. Limited exposure to diverse career paths and industries

3. Insufficient real-world experience or internship opportunities

4. Difficulty in building a professional network while still in school

5. Gap between academic knowledge and practical skills required in the job market

6. Limited access to alumni networks or industry professionals for mentorship

7. Anxiety about job interviews and lack of interview preparation resources

8. Challenges in creating compelling resumes and cover letters that stand out

9. Difficulty in finding entry-level positions that don't require extensive experience

10. Limited awareness of emerging career fields, especially in rapidly evolving industries like AI and technology

The Hired Edge is designed to help students specifically address these challenges while empowering universities to curate better experiences for students and alumni.

OK, But What is North Light AI?

Based in New Hampshire but with connections and partners around the globe, North Light AI is an AI and analytics-focused company that is revolutionizing experiential learning for higher education by tapping into the diverse talent pool across university disciplines.

The gap goes something like this:

• Businesses (especially SMBs) need smart, experienced talent

• University Students need high-quality career opportunities

Let’s bridge the two!

Each year, North Light AI hires a small cadre of university students from around the country for their Talent Accelerator program within their Generative AI Innovation Lab.

Designed to equip university students with both technical and soft skills essential for success in the AI-driven job market, students receive structured mentorship and support from industry leaders.

Unlike traditional models, our approach offers dedicated support and mentorship throughout the learning journey, ensuring students receive consistent guidance and feedback.

We challenge students with real business problems, holding them accountable for developing practical solutions.

OUR INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

This newsletter is focused on career development for university students—both undergraduate and graduate—but North Light AI itself works with the following additional stakeholders:

• Universities: Access to diverse clients, experts, and mentorst

• AI Partners: Access to top talent and real-world implementation

• Industry: Cost-effective expertise and AI literacy

Technical Competencies of our Lab: 

• Cloud Platforms: Students gain experience with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

• Data Analysis Tools: Training in SQL, Excel, PowerBI, and Tableau

• Programming Languages: Focus on Python, R, and Java

• Advanced Skills: Statistical analysis, machine learning, and CRM systems

• Digital Marketing: Social media management across various platforms

Soft Skills Development: 

• Emotional Intelligence

• Presentation and Public Speaking

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Digital Literacy

• Teamwork and Leadership

Subscribe to The Hired Edge now and gain the AI advantage in your career journey! Don't miss out on exclusive insights, skill-building opportunities, and industry connections that will set you apart in the competitive tech job market.