Career Planning Timeline

FRESHMAN YEAR:

  • Enroll in core classes and try out classes that interest you
  • Explore majors to find out what they are really about
  • Look carefully at all the options for involvement outside of class, where you can develop transferable skills
  • Think about what you most want to get out of your college experience
  • Develop tentative short and long-range personal goals
  • Get to know faculty, staff, and administrators on campus

SUMMER VACATION:  Get a job to earn money, get work or volunteer experience in an area that interests you.

SOPHOMORE YEAR:

  • Further explore academic disciplines by talking to faculty and students in various majors
  • Decide on a major
  • Develop intentional relationships that will help you grow personally and inter-personally
  • Continue exploration of career options (informational interviews, resources in Career Library, etc.)
  • Learn about your own unique interests, values, and abilities through assessment and career exploration tools
  • Consider career-related internship, practicum, volunteer and independent study options

SUMMER VACATION:  Get a job to earn money, further develop skills, build a good work reputation, grow personally and professionally, and continue exploring fields of interest.

JUNIOR YEAR:

  • Participate in an internship or practicum (or Senior year)
  • Focus in on and explore in-depth several career/occupation possibilities; select three that are most interesting
  • Determine requirements academically and experientially for your top three career/occupation choices
  • Continue learning about your own unique interests, values and abilities
    Look at graduate school options and requirements
  • Work to establish professional contacts in areas that interest you

SUMMER VACATION:  Try working, volunteering, or getting an internship in your chosen area of interest.

SENIOR YEAR:

  • Begin a well-organized job search, including informational interviews,
  • Networking, resume preparation, and interviewing skills
  • Attend workshops on resume writing, interviewing and the job search process, and/or grad school
  • Set up reference file as needed
  • Apply for and take necessary examinations for graduate school