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Indiana University Northwest

Career Services

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.

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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.

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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.

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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! !