FRESHMAN YEAR

 

ü    Visit the Career Center (Keeny Hall 337), meet staff, and browse through the resources.

 

ü    Visit the Office of Counseling Services (KH 310) to become familiar with the Career Resource Lab, as well as the services, workshops, and computerized programs which are available.

 

ü    Spend time in the career library scanning resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook to begin researching career options.  Maintain an open mind while exploring.

 

ü    Visit the Student Activities Office to identify organizations which are of interest.  Become involved in campus activities and develop leadership experiences.

 

ü    Obtain part-time student employment to enhance work experiences.  Information concerning an on-campus job is available in the Financial Aid Office.  Information concerning summer jobs, internships, and other part-time employment off campus is available in the Career Center.

 

ü    Become acquainted with academic adviser and professors.  They are valuable resources for career guidance and may later serve as references.

 

ü    Develop strong organizational skills.  Purchase a calendar to organize classes, activities, and appointments.  Establish a file for collecting career planning materials.

 

ü    Participate in a self-assessment to determine interests, values, and strengths.

 

ü    Identify occupational areas which match interests, values, and abilities and which allow the flexibility needed for career decision-making.

 

ü    Focus on the importance of maintaining a good academic record.

 

 

SOPHOMORE YEAR

 

ü    Visit a career library to conduct career research and gather occupational information.

 

ü    Give serious thought concerning choice of an academic major.  Select major if possible.

 

ü    Register with the Career Center, Keeny Hall 337.

 

ü    Investigate the opportunities for obtaining career-related experience through paid and/or volunteer work.   Discuss with adviser the availability of internships/co-op.   Participate in Career Days and inquire about on-campus interviews to explore co-op and/or summer employment opportunities.

 

ü    Add honors, awards, and student activities to career file.  Include these later in a resume.

 

ü    Begin contacting professionals in field(s) of interest for career guidance.

 

ü    Join at least one student organization.

 

ü    Continue to be aware of the importance of maintaining a good academic record.

 

ü    Develop a resume to be used for summer employment.

 

 

JUNIOR YEAR

 

ü    Browse through a career library.  Read at least one book or watch videos on career planning and/or job search strategies.  Also, locate resources of career information in the University library.

 

ü    Join at least one professional and/or honorary organization related to major in order to enhance professional growth.  Accept at least one responsibility requiring leadership abilities, either on campus or in the community.

 

ü    Participate in community activities in order to broaden circle of acquaintances.

 

ü    Contact professionals in chosen field to conduct informational interviews, gain knowledge concerning “state of the market” in field, and build network.  Identify three or four options open to graduates with your major.

 

ü    Become familiar with federal/state agency careers as well as graduate school options.

 

ü    Begin identifying your skills and strengths which will be assets to company or organization where you accept employment.  Strengthen computer and communication (oral/written) skills.

 

ü    Continue to maintain a strong academic record and to strengthen work experience through career-related employment.

 

 

SENIOR YEAR

 

ü    Participate in on-campus interviews and utilize on-line program to access full-time job listings.

 

ü    Develop a professional resume which has been reviewed and reproduced.  Strengthen skills in writing effective job-search correspondence, including letters of transmittal/application, letters of appreciation for interview and/or company visit, and letters of acceptance and decline of job offers.

 

ü    Obtain quarterly calendar of seminars from Career Center and attend those of interest.

 

ü    Organize a job search plan; monitor progress toward goals; follow up on all activities.

 

ü    Gather recommendations/reference letters from professors and previous/current employers.

 

ü    Prepare a budget analysis of financial obligations and be aware of basic salary needs.  Become familiar with national, regional, and local salary averages for chosen major/occupation.

 

ü    Add a section to career file entitled “Prospective Employers”–names and information on companies of interest.  Conduct research on companies/organizations and read company literature in the Career Center.  Read professional and business periodicals related to field of interest.

 

ü    Initiate contacts with employers using various approaches: interview with on-campus recruiters; attend Career Days/Recruitment Day; respond to job listings; activate your network; explore Web resources.

 

ü    Maintain a positive attitude, and conduct the job search with professionalism and integrity.

 

ü    Return the Graduating Student Survey to the Career Center.  Contact the Center to request assistance or to report any job offers received and/or job offer accepted.