Start a file about careers and majors. Start to narrow your choices.
Do research on specific majors and careers.
Develop computer skills.
Join clubs and take a leadership role.
Read articles and books about your major area, careers, and the world of work.
Find a part-time job or volunteer your time.
Update your résumé.
Get to know instructors and talk to them about careers.
Explore internships and co-op programs.
Add a section to your journal called Job Skills and Qualities.
Include these questions and write answers: How could I benefit an employer?
What skills and personal qualities do I have to offer? What can I do to make myself
more marketable?
Summer Vacation
Get a summer job and continue to gain experience, learn skills, develop references,
and earn money.
Keep up your journal and include notes on what it takes to get along with
others and how to advance in the workplace.
Time to put your job search into high gear. Go to the career center for advice.
Read recruitment materials. Schedule interviews with companies.
Update and polish your résumé and print good copies. Write drafts
of standard cover letters.
Update journal. Keep a list of potential employers and assess your job skills.
Have you gained maturity, self-confidence, and poise? Are you ready for a career?
Are you disciplined and able to put in more than an eight-hour day? Do you know
what it takes to be hired and promoted?
Network. Talk with faculty, administrators, and community members.
Keep a list of contacts and their telephone numbers.
Join professional organizations and attend conferences. Take your résumé
along and follow up on contacts.
Start sending out résumés and go to job fairs.
Find a mentor to help you with your job search and career planning.
Log interviews in your journal or notebook. Assess and improve your performance.
Practice interviewing skills. Go to job interviews.
Choose from among job offers.
Continue your journal with strategies for being promoted.