NO MATTER WHAT YEAR YOU ARE!!

• Check the Career Services “calendar of events” for programs and employers.
• Refine and register your résumé on the Job and Internship Board for access to internships and job postings.
• Attend various programs and information sessions conducted by Career Services including:
  • Résumé writing; write a résumé and learn how to identify résumé builders.
  • Networking & Informational Interviewing; start building a list of networking contacts and develop a plan for staying in touch.
  • Internship Prep; to learn how to search for and set up an internship.

• Start exploring in December for a summer career related internship--start early.
• Practice mock interviews with employers and/or Career Services staff.
• Attend Annual Job Fairs including:  Non Profit/Government Job and Internship Fair (Springfield), Fair for Summer Jobs and Internships at Camps (Springfield), Careerfest (Columbus), Job and Internship Fair (Springfield).
• Explore your options at the Annual Graduate and Professional School Fair (Springfield).

Freshman Year: Exploration

• Visit Career Services to discover and assess your skills, interests, and work related values so you can begin thinking about a major.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions—talk with career advisors, faculty and alumni to begin exploring different interests.
• Develop strong academic study skills.
• Get involved in at least one campus or community activity to develop leadership and other marketable skills.
• Consider job-shadowing professionals in your potential field of interest.

Sophomore Year: Investigation

• With your faculty advisor, confirm your choice of major and clarify program requirements.
• Schedule an appointment in Career Services to make sure you are on track with your career goals.
• Examine your extra-curricular activities to identify your marketable skills.
• Continue to develop your résumé—highlight your accomplishments.
• Practice your writing and speaking skills—take courses in communication, critical thinking and computer skills.  These are critical skills for any career.
• Consider using community service requirement as an opportunity to explore career.

Junior Year: Confirmation

• Stay up to date--update your résumé after each new accomplishment.
• Join professional organizations affiliated with your field.
• Conduct informational interviews to develop contacts and gather information.
• Investigate graduate school options; talk with your advisor.
  • Gather information on the application process; take graduate school entrance exams in the spring.
• Do a summer research project if you are a science major or interested in attending medical or other health profession schools.
• Think about a job search plan.  Take into consideration the market, geographic preferences, financial needs, etc.
• Make sure you have completed your Community Service.

Senior Year: Implementation