Getting Started... Four Year Career Development Plan

First year students should:

• start a general 4-year plan of courses
• take a “fun class” outside your area of interest to explore options you may have over looked
• make an effort to get to know advisors and professors
• begin to pursue summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, job shadowing, and internships
• attend career-related workshops on campus
• start a file for various career planning materials that will be collected over the next four (4) years
• get involved in campus activities
• take advantage of leadership opportunities on campus
• begin researching career fields (read What can I do with this major? or Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Second year students should:

• declare a major! If you are still unsure, talk with faculty member(s) within departments that interest you, and go online and read What can I do with this major? or Occupational Outlook Handbook
• develop a network of people who can help you in your career planning, such as family, friends, professors, alumni and/or previous employers
• explore off-campus study and research opportunities
• continue to pursue summer jobs, volunteer opportunities, job shadowing, and internships

Third year students should:

• attend Jr. Convocation
• schedule an appointment with a career advisor to prepare for your senior year
• write a draft of your resume, removing all high school activities unless they are of great significance; have your resume proofread by a career advisor and at least two other people – building a resume takes longer than you might expect so give yourself time to produce an excellent final copy
• start looking into graduate schools
• begin cultivating relationships with at least three potential references (employers and/or professors)
• pursue an internship related to your career interests in order to gain relevant skills
• buy (or at least start to think about) your interview attire for possible employment

Fourth year students should:

• schedule your senior interview in the Career Service Office
• attend the Senior Survivor Series
• attend the Resume Workshop; keep an updated copy of your resume at all times, because you never know when opportunities will come your way
• attend the Interviewing Workshop
• attend the Etiquette Dinner
• if interested in Graduate School, choose which programs you are applying to and send applications in early
• talk with faculty advisors or mentors about your career or graduate school plans
• meet with a career advisor to help you polish your interviewing skills
• contact Alumni, through the Careers Services office, who are willing to help you with your job search
• take advantage of on-campus interviews, information sessions and job fairs

NETWORK!!!NETWORK!!!NETWORK!!! Don’t be afraid to go up and say “hello.” Continually meet new people and make connections. This is a major part of finding a job in today’s working world.

Career Planning Timeline (will be available)