THINK
As a first-year student, you do not have to know exactly what you want to do when you graduate from college. What is important, however, is to take advantage of the resources and support available. Think about strategies that can help you make the right career choice.
WRITE
Choosing a career can be a challenge. Of the topics covered in this chapter, which would you like to learn more about?
APPLY
Almost every college has a career center where you can obtain free counseling and information on different careers. A career professional will help you define your interests, interpret the results of any assessment you complete, coach you on interview techniques, and critique your résumé. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor who is responsible for your academic major or interests. Ask about opportunities for internships and interview practice. Find out as much as possible about the education and training required for a specific career in the field. Ask about the skills that are necessary to succeed and the outlook for the future. In the following table, list what you need to do each term to prepare for your job or career of choice when you graduate:
| Time Line | To Do |
| First Term | |
| Second Term | |
| Third Term | |
| Fourth Term |
Now that you have a better understanding of your possible career, identify a person whose job you wish to have in the future. Make an appointment with this person to interview him or her. Create a list of questions you would like to ask during the interview. For example, you can ask about college degrees, training, and previous jobs. You can also seek advice on how to prepare for a job similar to the one this person has. List your questions in the box below.