Planning is one of the keys to successful career development, and should begin very early in your college career. Follow the steps below to best prepare for your future career.
- Take a variety of courses and explore various majors.
- Consult with a career counselor to identify skills, abilities, interest and values that related to college majors.
- Take career tests and use computerized guidance system to explore options.
- Attend Career Development workshops.
- Consult with an academic advisor to plan a course of study related to your interest and career goals.
- Check with Career Development Office about on-campus and off-campus jobs, internships and co-op opportunities that will build career related skills.
- Seek help with resume writing by attending a workshop or getting individual assistance.
- Maintain a solid academic record.
- Attend career fairs.
- Develop behaviors expected in the workplace (i.e. punctuality, reliability and conscientiousness).
- Broaden your vocabulary.
- Develop good personal management skills.
- Get to know professors and advisors.
- Interact with classmates and upperclassmen.
- Join a club or organization.
- Research volunteer opportunities.
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- Meet with academic advisor and career counselor if you are unsure about a major or a career decision.
- Declare a major.
- Continue to be involved in campus and community activities to develop leadership and time management skills.
- Talk to the Career Development Office about experiential education opportunities related to your major.
- Continue to develop your resume and meet with someone for feedback and assistance.
- Attend resume writing, interview and job search workshops.
- Play a larger role in campus groups.
- Continue volunteer activities.
- Continue to build working relationships with faculty and staff.
- Start a list of contacts who may be available as mentors in the future.
- Explore graduate school options.
- Broaden cultural perspectives.
- Consider a Study Abroad Program.
- Attend company presentations and career fairs.
- Find people employed in your field of interest and conduct an informational interview.
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- Meet with academic advisor to plan remaining curriculum choices and confirm degree requirements.
- Choose course electives that add value to your career goals.
- If planning on graduate school, register for graduate school admission tests.
- Join student affiliates of professional organizations.
- Read professional journals.
- Gather specific information about jobs or graduate schools.
- Attend career workshops, career fairs and employer panels.
- Develop effective job search strategies.
- Learn about and practice proper interview/professional etiquette.
- Continue honing written and oral communication skills.
- Manage time effectively.
- Begin developing a professional wardrobe.
- Continue developing skills and relationships through student organizations, internships, co-ops or part-time employment and volunteer activities.
- Research career choices and interview professionals in your area(s) of interest.
- Update resume and talk with professors and supervisors about serving as references.
- Research types of employment which match your skills and interests.
- Talk with faculty and employers about the employment outlook in your field.
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- If attending graduate school, apply in fall term.
- Strengthen GPA.
- Continue to offer leadership in clubs and student organizations.
- Be a mentor to underclassmen.
- Ask faculty and professional contacts to serve as references.
- Interview former graduates who work in your field of interest.
- Polish your resume, job search letters and interview skills.
- Make an appointment to have your resume critiqued.
- Begin conducting your full time job search in the Fall term if you graduate in the Spring.
- Register with the Career Development Office job search program.
- Attend job, career and graduate school fairs.
- Send thank you notes to anyone who assists you.
- Adopt professional behavior.
- Continue to expand your career wardrobe.
- Budget for job search, travel and relocation.
- Engage techniques for stress management during job search.
- Schedule a practice interview to improve your skills.
- Continue efforts to build contacts through campus and community involvement and stay in touch with people who can assist you in your job search.
- Target and research employers.
- Conduct your self-directed job search by focusing on networking contacts.
- Use internet to apply directly to companies on-line.
- Make your resume computer friendly.
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