Academic & Career Planning Process

Freshman

Adjusting to College Work & Life

• Make an appointment to meet with a career counselor in Academic & Career Planning for individualized career planning and check out three books from the
  Resource Room on occupations that interest you.
• Use Career Planning Liftoff Inventory, our online Academic & Career Planning guidance system to explore careers consistent with your interests.
• Take a variety of academic courses and stay open-minded about the selection of a major.
• Get acquainted with your professors, academic advisors and counselors who can help you with your career plans.
• Identify your interests, skills and values and learn how they relate to the choice of a major.
• Join a campus organization to gain leadership and communication skills.
• Establish effective study habits, which may differ significantly from high school.
• Attend study skills workshops, or make an individual appointment with an advisor in Academic and Career Planning to discuss your study skills, time management, and learning style.
• Check out the Academic & Career Planning calendar of events for the semester.

Summer After Freshman Year

• Get a job that relates to your college major or career interest.
• Gain work experience and start developing a strong business and work ethic.

Sophomore

Selecting a Major

• Begin to take a few workshops to assist you with resume writing and interview preparation.  Check out the events calendar for ways to explore a major by attending programs such as a networking event.
• Take Career Planning Seminar 101 for help in choosing a major and planning your career.
• Utilize the Career Information section of our links page to research various occupations.
• Develop a resume to apply for co-ops, internships, and summer jobs.
• Complete an informational interview via email and obtain information about her career.
• Take a leadership role in an organization of your interest and/or participate in the LeaderShape Institute.
• Declare major(s) and minor(s), if not already done so,
  by submitting the appropriate forms to the Office of
  the Registrar.
• Develop a strong relationship with your academic advisor in your major. 

Summer After Sophomore Year

• Get a summer job relating to your field and develop
  your skills.
• Strengthen your resume by developing references and a good reputation.

Junior

Translating Academic & Personal Experiences into Academic & Career Planning Goals

• Check out the events calendar and attend a few key workshops and events.
• Update your resume and develop a cover letter and have them critiqued by a career counselor in Academic & Career Planning.
• Secure a co-op or internship in the area of your interest/major.
• Take Career Planning Seminar 301 to relate your major to the job market.
• Get involved in a professional organization related to your career field to expand your information network.
• Get information about graduate schools, take the appropriate entrance examinations and apply to schools.
• Seek to deepen conversation and relationships with professors, faculty advisor, and college staff, especially in major coursework, research projects, seminars, and student organizations.

Summer after Junior Year

• Excel in your summer internship.
• Further develop job-related skills.
• Compile an inventory of interests and qualifications and how they relate to your objective.

Senior

Implementing Your Goals

• Check out the Academic & Career Planning events calendar for the semester.
• Register with Academic & Career Planning via Academic & Career Planning Link. View and apply for jobs.
• Update and refine your resume.
• Map out your job search strategies: target and contact potential employers and follow-up with employers you have previously contacted.
• Attend Career Fairs and networking events.
• Evaluate job offers.
• Report job offers and acceptance to ACP
• If planning to attend graduate school, follow up on applications and keep a record of the status of each.
• Carefully review your graduation audit to determine that you will meet degree requirements, and complete your application for diploma.

Anytime

• Make an appointment to talk with a Academic & Career Planning counselor.
• Update your resume and have it critiqued by a Academic & Career Planning counselor.
• Join professional associations in your field of interest and become an active member to build a network of colleagues in your field.