| Year 1: Transitioning and Exploring |
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. Reflect on which topics covered in your first-year courses you find interesting. Talk with an academic adviser about the majors you’re considering. Talk with career counselors about the relationship between various majors and the careers you’re considering. Get involved in campus activities. Develop a preliminary résumé. Explore work or volunteer activities that will strengthen your résumé. Conduct one or more informational interviews.
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| Year 2: Finding Your Direction |
Declare an academic major. Join a club or professional organization related to your academic major. Begin to develop relationships with instructors in your major who can later support your job search with letters of recommendation. Document how the success skills you’re using at school translate to future careers. Consider volunteer or employment opportunities related to your academic major. Discuss with a career counselor what career opportunities are available for graduates with your major. Update your résumé annually. Research how to prepare for the careers that interest you. Consider conducting another informational interview with a recent graduate in your major. (The alumni center may help you find recent graduates who would be willing to talk with you.)
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| Year 3: Confirming Your Path and Gaining Experience |
Evaluate your satisfaction with the direction you have chosen. If you’re not satisfied, meet with an academic adviser or career counselor to assist you in changing direction. Continue acquiring practical experience related to your major through clubs and organizations, volunteering, and work. Continue to develop the transferable skills that employers desire most. Consider whether you want to start working after getting your degree or enter a graduate or professional training program. If appropriate, determine graduate school testing and application deadlines. Begin researching graduate programs or employers related to the careers you are considering. Review syllabi in the courses in your academic major to identify possible career and graduate school specialty options. Update your résumé annually. Meet with instructors in your academic major to discuss career and graduate school options. Meet with a counselor in the career center to discuss the job search services the center provides.
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| Year 4: Preparing for Another Transition |
If you plan to continue your education, fill out graduate or professional school applications. If you are seeking employment, register for on-campus interviews. Meet with a counselor in the career center to polish your résumé. Research employers with whom you will interview. 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. Find out what services the career center offers to students after graduation.
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