| Year 1: Transitioning, Exploring, and Planning |
Develop and practice the success skills discussed in this book. Focus on establishing a strong GPA. Begin to identify your career-related interests, skills, and values. Get involved in campus activities. Develop a preliminary résumé. Explore work or volunteer activities that will strengthen your résumé.
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Plan your course of study with an academic adviser to maximize transfer credits. Discuss colleges and universities that you are considering transferring to. If possible, meet with an academic adviser at the schools to which you may apply. Identify the application deadlines for schools to which you may apply.
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Document how the success skills you’re using at school translate to future careers. Discuss with a career counselor what career opportunities are available for graduates with your degree. Conduct information interviews with people in your community who are employed in areas that interest you.
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| Year 2: Completing Your Program and Preparing for Another Transition |
Prepare and submit applications for admission to four-year colleges. Gather information about the majors available at the schools to which you are applying. Meet with your adviser, or advisers at your target schools, to talk about declaring a major when you arrive. If possible, work with an adviser on your campus or an adviser at your target school to create a first-year course plan so that you can hit the ground running. Update your résumé annually. Continue to acquire practical experience through clubs and organizations, volunteering, and work.
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Continue to develop the transferable skills that employers desire most. Meet with one or more instructors to discuss career options. Meet with a counselor at the career center to discuss the job search services the center provides. If available, register for on-campus interviews, or identify where employment opportunities are posted on your campus. Have a counselor at the career center critique your résumé. Conduct mock interviews with friends, colleagues, or a counselor at the career center. Continue to acquire practical experience through clubs and organizations, volunteering, and work. Consider leadership opportunities in clubs and organizations.
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