Career Decision Timetable

FRESHMAN YEAR

Inquiry: Self and Career Awareness
  • Enroll in core courses
  • Enroll in career planning course (GNED 1751)
  • Choose a major, tentatively
  • Explore clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities
  • Get to know faculty, counselors and administrators
  • Improve interpersonal skills by meeting new people
  • Take interest and personality inventories
  • Talk with career counselor about possible career choices
  • Develop initial résumé on Optimal Résumé


Summer Vacation
  • Get a job or internship (Try an "adventure" job)
  • Learn to work with others
  • Gain experience


SOPHOMORE YEAR
Assessment and Exploration
  • Research specific careers and required qualifications
  • Investigate the employment outlook for your options
  • Complete self-assessment: values, skills, interests and goals
  • Continue to be active in extracurricular activities and to develop interpersonal skills
  • Attend career days and career seminars
  • Check into and participate in co-ops or internships
  • Discuss career questions with advisor or career counselor


Summer Vacation
  • Get a job or internship
  • Develop interpersonal skills
  • Develop good work ethic


JUNIOR YEAR
Evaluating Career Options
  • Review academic plan in relation to career options
  • Enroll in electives that will make you more competitive for the world of work
  • Get a part-time job or internship in related field
  • Research career options in relation to your interests, skills, values and goals
  • Conduct information interviews, to gain information and network
  • Make career choices involving employment or graduate school
  • Attend career fairs and job search seminars
  • Continue to seek advice from faculty, advisors, and counselors
  • Build professional wardrobe


Summer Vacation
  • Compile self-evaluation and qualifications
  • Get a job or internship in chosen field to test career decision


SENIOR YEAR
Realization - Making Decisions
  • Complete course requirements for major
  • Discuss career choice with advisor or career counselor
  • Maintain contacts with faculty, advisors and administrators
  • Continue relevant work experience
  • Join professional organization
  • Practice interview skills with Optimal
  • Research specific information about employers
  • Attend career fairs and job search seminars
  • Update Résumé; have career counselor review Résumé
  • Participate in on-campus and off-campus interviews
  • Follow-up on job vacancy announcements
  • Send Résumés and inquiry letters to target employers
  • Evaluate career employment options
  • Make career decision and prepare for employment