Four-Year Student Career Plan

 

Freshman Year 

  • Use the Discover program.
    Online self-assessment program that can help you narrow down choices for careers and majors. Schedule your follow-up appointment with a Career Advisor to discuss the results and get started on your career plan.
  • Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor.
    Familiarize yourself with all the resources provided by Career Services. Build a relationship early with your Career Advisor that will last you all four years and beyond.
  • Join a Recognized Student Organization or Club.
    Get out and meet other students and develop collaboration skills and an understanding and sensitivity to diversity.
  • Develop good study habits and keep your grades up.
    Employers want candidates with a good academic record.
  • Complete an Externship.
    Test drive your career choice by completing an Externship (job shadowing) experience.
  • Gain summer work experience.
    Get experience related to your major or career field. Establish a record of reliability and productivity in a work setting. Be sure to get a letter of recommendation from your employer.
  • Attend Career Fairs.
    It    's never too early to start! Excellent opportunity to gather information on potential careers and employers. Build your confidence in speaking and networking with recruiters.
  • Set up your Panther Recruiting account.
    Register with Career Services and gain access to summer jobs, internships, employer/industry information, resume database, on-campus interviews & more!

 

Sophomore Year 

  • Participate in student organizations/clubs.
    Seek leadership positions and take an active role to gain work-related skills. Don't limit your success to the classroom!
  • Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor.
    Confirm your career interests and start working on the skills needed to be successful.
  • Attend Career Services workshops.
    Get information on resumes, interviewing, job search strategies, dining etiquette, and more!
  • Complete an Externship.
    Test drive your career choice by completing an Externship (job shadowing) experience. Even if you did one as a Freshman, do another one, if needed.
  • Gain summer work experience.
    Get experience related to your major or career field. Establish a record of reliability and productivity in a work setting. Be sure to get a letter of recommendation from your employer.
  • Research internship possibilities.
    Start exploring your options for an internship experience in your Junior or Senior year.
  • Develop your resume 
    Review tips and examples on Career Services website. Have your resume critiqued by a Career Advisor for suggestions.
  • Attend Career Fairs.
    Excellent opportunity to gather information on potential careers and employers. Build your confidence in speaking and networking with recruiters.
  • Set up your Panther Recruiting account.
    If you have not done so already, Register with Career Services and gain access to summer jobs, internships, employer/industry information, resume database, on-campus interviews & more!
  • Keep your grades up.
    GPA is often considered for internships and full time opportunities. Don't forget why you are here.

 

Junior Year 

  • Update your resume.
    Review tips and examples on Career Services website. Have your resume critiqued by a Career Advisor for suggestions.
  • Do an internship or co-op!
    Gain exposure and career-related experience through an internship, co-op, volunteering, or part time job.
  • Be a leader in your student organization/club.
    Actively participate to gain skills that employers look for: leadership skills, communication skills, teamwork skills, etc.
  • Attend Career Services workshops.
    Get information on resumes, interviewing, job search strategies, dining etiquette, and more!
  • Do a Mock Interview.
    Practice your interviewing skills with a Career Advisor. Get valuable suggestions and feedback.
  • Research organizations and jobs.
    Use the internet and your Panther Recruiting account to gather information about your target jobs and employers. Be informed to make better decisions.
  • Attend Career Fairs.
    A must for juniors & seniors!! Excellent opportunity to network with employers and find internships & full time employment.
  • Set up your Panther Recruiting account.
    If you have not done so already, register with Career Services. Set up your account, post your resume and search through thousands of internship & full time job listings.
  • Participate in On-Campus Interviews.
    Increase your chances of getting a job offer--interview with employers right here on campus without missing class!
  • Obtain letters of recommendation.
    Ask employers, faculty members, advisors, etc. for letters of recommendation. Add these to your self-managed credential file (through your Panther Recruiting account). Make sure to keep track of all past employment dates, supervisor names, etc.
  • Research graduate/professional school possibilities.
    Is it the right path for you? Speak with a Career Advisor to discuss grad school alternatives. Find out about application requirements, deadlines, admission tests, etc.
  • Initiate a degree audit and apply for graduation.
    Contact the dean's office of the appropriate college for your degree for more information.
  • Maintain a strong GPA.
    GPA is often considered for internships and full time opportunities. Don't forget why you are here.

 

Senior Year 

  • Update your resume.
    Keep your resume current at all times. Add internship and other work experiences. Have your resume critiqued by a Career Advisor for suggestions.
  • Pursue leadership roles in your student organizations/clubs.
    Use this to enhance your "marketability" to employers.
  • Attend Career Services workshops.
    Get information on resumes, interviewing, job search strategies, dining etiquette, and more!
  • Sharpen your interviewing skills through a Mock Interview.
    Practice your interviewing skills with a Career Advisor. Get valuable suggestions and feedback.
  • Research organizations and jobs.
    Use the internet and your Panther Recruiting account to gather information about your target jobs and employers. Be informed to make better decisions.
  • Attend Career Fairs.
    A must for seniors!! Excellent opportunity to network with employers and find full time employment.
  • Set up your Panther Recruiting account.
    Don't wait!! Register with Career Services and post your resume for immediate resume referrals to employers. Also gain access to thousands of full time jobs, employer/industry information, on-campus interviews & more!
  • Interview with employers on & off campus.
    Increase your chances of getting a job offer--interview with employers right here on campus without missing class! Send thank you notes to all persons who interview you.
  • Network with anyone who might possibly open doors for you.
    Most jobs are found through networking. Make the most of the Career Services' Career Fairs and special events. Make connections with faculty, alumni, neighbors, family friends, etc.
  • Obtain letters of recommendation.
    Ask employers, faculty members, advisors, etc. for letters of recommendation. Add these to your self-managed credential file (through your Panther Recruiting account). Make sure to keep track of all past employment dates, supervisor names, etc.
  • Maintain solid grades.
    Don't slack off on your grades when it means the most. GPA is still very important to employers looking for dedicated, hard-working candidates.
  • Graduate with a job offer!! Congratulations!