CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND JOB SEARCH PLAN

 
YEAR 1 - FRESHMAN YEAR
Self Assessment and Career Planning Activities

Gain as much information as you can about YOURSELF through Self Assessment. Collect, analyze and evaluate this information to aid you in developing a career strategy and in obtaining a job consistent with your personality, abilities, skills, values, interests, academic training and life experiences.

Enlist the assistance of your Career Services Center, faculty, advisors, counselors, administrators, friends and associates. Review various career and business publications. Consider and use various tools - career exercises, projects, psychological tests and profiles - to determine your career interests.

Create a Personal Career Action Plan and job search log on disk. On a regular basis, insert notes on your short and long-term goals, record the various activities you are involved in, including projects and extracurricular activities, and other information regarding your progress.

Include the answers to the following four key questions: What Do I Want To Do? What are My Strongest Skills & Qualities? What Do I Need To Do To Develop Myself Further? How Can I Get The Job I Want After Graduation?

Summer Vacation After Freshman Year: Get a summer job and earn money toward your college expenses. Acquire work experience and learn as much as you can about the work world and getting along with others. Become an active team member. Focus your attention on researching all you can about your career field.

 
YEAR 2 - SOPHOMORE YEAR
Career Exploration and Investigation Activities

Create a file of information about specific career options and narrow your potential choices to a Plan A and Plan B alternative.

Collect, analyze and read books and periodicals about the world of work, office politics, corporate culture, and career advancement.

Develop your resume, make contact and networking lists, prepare your resume and various cover letter formats. Investigate various jobs and hone your job search skills.

Write the answers to the following three key questions and place them in yoru career action plan file: What Do I Have To Offer An Employer? Who Needs What I Have To Offer? How Do I Make Them Want To Hire Me?

Summer Vacation After Sophomore Year: Get a summer job. Continue to earn expenses and build a good work experience file and reference list. Develop Computer Skills. Develop maturity and knowledge about the workplace and what it takes to get ahead.

 
YEAR 3 - JUNIOR YEAR
Gaining Career Experiences

Test your qualifications for work in your chosen career field. Secure an internship if you can.

Consult with faculty, counselors, and administrators. Join a professional organization in your chosen field as a student member. Check with Career Services for workshops and programs that will help you prepare for personal presentations. Schedule mock interviews and practice answers to tough interview questions.

Network! Network! Then network some more. The aim is to get your network working so that job leads will develop.

Review and update your resume and job search correspondence. Practice your interview skills. Plan your job search campaign. Enroll in career planning activities.

Attend seminars and workshops on resume writing, cover letters, and effective interviewing techniques. Review your Plan B alternative career plans.

Continue or begin internship experiences and practical work experience with companies you want to affiliate with.

Summer Vacation After Junior Year: Get a summer job in your chosen field; continue to earn expenses and enhance your marketability for jobs after graduation. Further hone your job-related and computer skills. Develop maturity and knowledge about the workplace and potential barriers that you may face as an employee. Prepare to address challenges and see them as opportunities. Compile an inventory of interests and qualifications as they relate to your career objective.

 
YEAR 4 or 5 - SENIOR YEAR
Job Search/Transition to Workplace Activities

Rev up your job search campaign. Put it into high gear! Commit yourself to a thorough job search. Schedule campus and company interviews with as many employers as possible. Network! Network! And network some more!

Discuss career possibilities with faculty and counselors, friends, acquaintances and network contacts. Talk to everybody you can who may be able to assist you in your job search.

Identify those companies and firms actively recruiting job candidates. Read the recruitment ads and the job opportunities listings to identify those employers recruiting in your major. Participate in the recruitment activities that Career Services offers on campus.

Keep your career planning log updated with interview results. Assess how you perform during job interviews. Keep your contact list updated.

Consider and choose from among the various job offers you receive.

Accept the job that best fits your career and professional needs and goals.

Develop a checklist of areas to address in making your transition from college to the workplace.

Find a mentor or join a support group which can help you adjust to your new work environment and the realities of the corporate culture you are joining.

Perform effectively, be a team member, support your manager, and move up in the organization. When you've advanced as far as you can, plan your next career move.