Four-Year Career and Professional Development Checklist

Checklist for Professional Preparation

Freshmen:

  • Explore Interests: Discover different career paths and majors that align with your interests.
  • Resume Draft: Start drafting a basic resume including your high school achievements and any new experiences.
  • Network: Join student organizations or online communities related to your field of interest.
  • Volunteer: Engage in volunteer activities to build soft skills and give back to the community.
  • Career Services: Visit the Career Services website to familiarize yourself with available resources. Create a Handshake Profile

Sophomores:

  • Skill Development: Identify and start developing skills required in your chosen field.
  • Internship Search: Begin looking for internship opportunities for the next summer.
  • LinkedIn Profile: Create or update your LinkedIn profile to start building your professional network.
  • Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired industry to learn more about their career paths.
  • Career Services: Attend workshops and seminars offered by Career Services to enhance your job search strategies.
  • Report: Report your Experiential Learning Activity (co-op, summer internship, research, practicum, clinical, field experience, etc.)

Juniors:

  • Professional Experience: Secure an internship or part-time job in your field to gain relevant experience.
  • Resume Update: Update your resume with new skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
  • Graduate School Research: If considering graduate school, start researching programs and preparing for required exams.
  • Career Fairs: Attend career fairs and networking events to connect with potential employers.
  • Mock Interviews: Schedule mock interviews with Career Services to practice your interviewing skills.

Seniors:

  • Job Search: Intensify your job search by applying to positions and networking with professionals in your industry.
  • Resume Refinement: Ensure your resume is polished and highlights your most relevant experiences.
  • Interview Preparation: Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions and researching companies.
  • Professional References: Secure references from professors, mentors, and previous employers.
  • Career Services: To finalize your job search strategies, utilize all available resources, including one-on-one career counseling.
  • Network: Network with Peers, Professors, and Employers.