FIRST YEAR
Your first year is the perfect time for personal discovery and exploration.
- Join clubs and organizations that suit your interests.
- Connect with your peers to build your communication skills and help build your network.
- Make your education and grades a top priority.
- Pursue your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.
- Be thinking of your current major and see to it that it matches the career path you want to follow.
- Volunteer or acquire a seasonal position that is related to your career interests — go for it
SECOND YEAR
Your second year is when you dedicate time for decisions.
- Figure out what you liked last year and what you didn’t.
- Map out what your short-term and long-term goals are. It can be as simple as setting up an informational interview with a local organization/professional or locking in that dream.
- Summer internship with a multi-national company.
- Take advantage of workshop opportunities offered.
- Start developing a list of people or companies to contact. It is never too early to connect with professionals in your area of interest.
- Look for internships specific to your major and find out the steps needed to apply for them.
- Attend site visits or schedule it at your own time.
- Create a LinkedIn account to boost your professional and online presence and utilize it well and build your online visibility.
THIRD YEAR
This is the year to focus on your personal and professional development.
- It's time to start thinking about what you can do to have a competitive advantage when job searching.
- Stock up on a few essential interview-appropriate clothes.
- You should have a resume created by now and this is the time to post it on Handshake.
- Take on leadership roles within your school groups as this allows you to learn multiple management styles.
- Start visiting with employers when they come on campus. Bring copies of your resume and be prepared to network with those attending.
FOURTH/FIFTH YEAR
Your fourth year might be your busiest year yet!
- By now, you should be participating in as many workshops and events that the Career Development Center sponsors as possible.
- Develop a job search plan and familiarize yourself with the job search sites that are out there, and don’t forget to stay organized!
- Keep track of where you’re applying and keep the contact information of any hiring managers you know.
- Make sure your application materials are reviewed by professionals. Get comfortable reaching out to your network and let them know you’re available for hire.
- Practice your pitch and be more comfortable with responding to questions such as “Tell me about yourself.” And remember, be patient as the career search process takes time.