Academic & Career Planning Process
Adjusting to College Work & Life
- Make an appointment to meet with a career counselor in Academic & Career Planning for individualized career planning and check out three books from the Resource Room on occupations that interest you.
- Use Career Planning Liftoff Inventory, our online Academic & Career Planning guidance system to explore careers consistent with your interests.
- Take a variety of academic courses and stay open-minded about the selection of a major.
- Get acquainted with your professors, academic advisors and counselors who can help you with your career plans.
- Identify your interests, skills and values and learn how they relate to the choice of a major.
- Join a campus organization to gain leadership and communication skills.
- Establish effective study habits, which may differ significantly from high school.
- Attend study skills workshops, or make an individual appointment with an advisor in Academic and Career Planning to discuss your study skills, time management, and learning style.
Summer After Freshman Year
- Get a job that relates to your college major or career interest.
- Gain work experience and start developing a strong business and work ethic.
Selecting a Major
- Take Career Planning Seminar 101 for help in choosing a major and planning your career.
- Utilize the Occupational Outlook Handbook to research various occupations.
- Develop a resume to apply for co-ops, internships, and summer jobs.
- Utilize Meredith Connection to search for an alumna in your area of interest.
- Complete an informational interview via email and obtain information about her career.
- Take a leadership role in an organization of your interest and/or participate in the LeaderShape Institute.
- Declare major(s) and minor(s), if not already done so, by submitting the appropriate forms to the office of the Registrar.
Summer After Sophomore Year
- Get a summer job relating to your field and develop your skills.
- Strengthen your resume by developing references and a good reputation.
Translating Academic & Personal Experiences into Academic & Career Planning Goals
- Update your resume and develop a cover letter and have them critiqued by a career counselor in Academic & Career Planning.
- Secure a co-op or internship in the area of your interest/major.
- Take Career Planning Seminar 301 to relate your major to the job market.
- Get involved in a professional organization related to your career field to expand your information network.
- Get information about graduate schools, take the appropriate entrance examinations and apply to schools.
- Seek to deepen conversation and relationships with professors, faculty advisor, and college staff, especially in major coursework, research projects, seminars, and student organizations.
Summer after Junior Year
- Excel in your summer internship.
- Further develop job-related skills.
- Compile an inventory of interests and qualifications and how they relate to your objective.
Implementing Your Goals
- Check out the Academic & Career Planning calendar of events for the semester.
- Register with Academic & Career Planning via Academic & Career Planning Link. View and apply for jobs.
- Update and refine your resume.
- Map out your job search strategies: target and contact potential employers and follow-up with employers you have previously contacted.
- Attend Career Fairs and networking events.
- Evaluate job offers.
- Report job offers and acceptance to Academic & Career Planning.
- If planning to attend graduate school, follow up on applications and keep a record of the status of each.
- Carefully review your graduation audit to determine that you will meet degree requirements, and complete your application for diploma.
Anytime
- Make an appointment to talk with a Academic & Career Planning counselor.
- Update your resume and have it critiqued by a Academic & Career Planning counselor.
- Join professional associations in your field of interest and become an active member to build a network of colleagues in your field.
