Career Center Four Year Plan
Adjusting to College Work & Life
- Make an appointment to meet with a career counselor in the Career Center for individualized career planning and assessment three books from the Career Center Resource Room on occupations that interest you.
- Use Career Liftoff Inventory, our online career 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.
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.
Selecting a Major
- Take Career Planning Seminar 101 for help in choosing a major and planning your career.
- Utilize the Occupational Outlook Handbook to research various occupations.
- Develop a resume to apply for co-ops, internships, and summer jobs.
- Utilize Meredith Connection to search for an alumna in your area of interest.
- 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.
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.
Translating Academic & Personal Experiences into Career Goals
- Update your resume and develop a cover letter and have them critiqued by a career counselor in the Career Center.
- 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.
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.
Implementing Your Goals
- Check out the Career Center's calendar of events for the semester.
- Register with the Career Center via CareerLink. 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 the Career Center.
- If planning to attend graduate school, follow up on applications and keep a record of the status of each.
Anytime
- Make an appointment to talk with a career counselor.
- Update your resume and have it critiqued by a career counselor.
- Join professional associations in your field of interest and become an active member to build a network of colleagues in your field.
