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Career Planning Checklist

First Year: Investigate

• Make the grades!
• Experience a variety of courses to help you determine your area of interest.
• Check out the job books in Career Services, as a source of networking within the community.
• Get to know a professor who is in the field of your particular interest.
• If you are planning to major in one of the pre-professional programs (pre-med, pre-dent, nursing, PT or pre-law), see an advisor in that area sometime during your first year.
• Consider taking a Career Preparation/Exploration course.
• Utilize the career library & counseling services to help you identify a major or career area to explore.
• Take advantage of inventories, which allow you to discover your interests, personality type, and careers, which may be appropriate for you. (Discuss your results with a counselor.)
• See a career counselor for an informational meeting about preparing for the next four years of career development.

Second Year:  Experiment 

• Make the grades!
• Begin to think about a particular major or classes that interest you.
• Expand your knowledge of career opportunities by visiting the career library.
• Utilize the career library & counseling services to help you identify a major or career area to explore.
• Start planning an internship or Co-op for the summer after your sophomore year.
• Consider taking a Career Preparation/Exploration course.
• Work with a career counselor to develop a resume.
• Continue being involved in school and community activities.
• Ask upper class-students in your field about their job experiences.

Third Year: Prepare

• Make the grades!
• Look for an internship or co-op during the school year if possible, or during the summer.
• Utilize the career library & counseling services to help you identify a major or career area to explore.
• Consider taking a Career Preparation/Exploration course.
• Learn how to use the Internet as a tool for your job search.
• Gather information about graduate or professional schools if you are considering continuing your education. Look for application and testing deadlines.
• Register for the GRE, LSAT, or GMAT, if necessary. Look for test dates and deadlines.
• Schedule a mock interview with a career counselor to enhance your interviewing skills.
• Attend career fairs and internship/co-op fairs.

Fourth Year: Implement your plan

• Make the grades!
• Be sure to update and finalize your resume.
• Make an appointment with the Career Services Director to register for Resume Referral.
• Continue your job search through networking contacts the Internet and researching.
• Attend Career fairs, learn the recruiting schedule on campus and attend internship/co-op fairs.
• Consider taking a Career Preparation/Exploration course.
• Check out the full-time job listings in the career library.
• Perfect your cover letter writing skills.
• Apply to graduate and professional schools.  Remember there are deadlines!
• Follow through on your interviews by sending thank-you letters.
• Begin building your professional wardrobe if you haven't already.
• Be dedicated and patient in your search. GOOD LUCK! !