Freshman Year: The Journey Begins

-         Be attentive in COE 101 classes, ask questions, and seek answers.

-         Take classes from various disciplines to find what interests you.

-         Explore different majors: talk to professors, current students, and 
  people working in these fields to learn more.

-         Get involved outside of class in activities that will provide you with 
  different experiences and expand your skills.

-         Develop short and long-term goals – include career, personal and 
  spiritual goals.

 

Sophomore Year: Exploration

-         Explore academic disciplines more in-depth.

-         Decide on a major.

-         Continue career exploration and information 
  gathering (including informational interviews).

-         Look into career-related internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer 
  work.

-         Begin gathering information for and creating a professional resume

 

Junior Year:  Making Connections

-         Narrow down career options and explore them in-depth.

-         Seek an internship in your chosen field.

-         Network extensively – make professional contacts in your chosen 
  area (alumni, personal contacts, conferences, professional 
  organizations, job fairs, etc.).

-         Look at graduate school options and admission requirements. If this 
  is a viable option, learn about application deadlines and testing 
  requirements/dates.

-         Continue self-assessment (including geographical preferences, 
  work settings, etc.).

-         Develop professional resume, reference sheet, and cover letter that 
  market career-related qualifications.

 

Senior Year: Final Destination: Work

-         Revise, refine, and revamp resume, reference sheet and cover letter. 
  Register your resume in the Career Development Office (located in the 
  Marrs-Stockton Student Center).

-         Apply to graduate school. This includes taking admission exams.

-         Continue making professional contacts and conducting informational 
  interviews (including attending the JOB MARKET Career Fair).

-         Sign up in the Career Development Office to participate in on-campus 
  recruiting.

-         Find professional references who can attest to your qualifications 
 (faculty, staff, former employers).

-         Actively and aggressively pursue job leads – keep contacts apprised 
  of progress and current standing.

-         Practice interviewing skills through mock interviews and interviewing 
  workshops.

-         Follow up on leads and be sure to send thank you letters after 
  interviews. Thank you notes are also appropriate, and needed, for 
  networking contacts who assisted you during the job search.

Celebrate finding a great position!