A 4-YEAR PLAN

FRESHMAN YEAR: develop a blueprint as you learn more about yourself and options available
Become familiar with the Undergraduate Bulletin - check bulletin for course descriptions and requirements of     majors that interest you. If undecided, choose a course each semester that helps you explore a field you think     you might like to declare as a major.

If undecided, seek diversity in courses to identify your areas of interest. Meet with faculty, and/or talk with     upper level classmen to explore your interests and learn more about areas that may become a major or minor     field of study for you; make a tentative selection of a major.

Start skill development by joining at least one student organization, club or activity.

While adjusting to your new environment, assess your study skills and time management habits - improve them if     they need work.

Identify faculty, counselors, and advisors who can serve as resources during your personal, academic and     career development while at the University.

Visit Career Services, GSU 309, if uncertain about academic/career areas of interest or interested in exploring     career paths directly or indirectly related to your anticipated major.

Begin researching career paths and gain further insight through volunteering, job shadowing, and informational     interviewing.

SOPHOMORE YEAR: begin building a foundation as you continue to assess and explore
Continue to develop a solid GPA.

Schedule an appointment with your advisor to confirm major/degree plans.

Get to know professors teaching in your major.

Research study abroad opportunities to expand your knowledge of other cultures.

Continue exploration of different majors and careers related to interests identified.

Participate in career-related experiences and seek further career exploration via internships, job shadowing,     informational interviewing, networking, and volunteering.

Join major-related student organizations and actively develop your leadership skills.

Build or update your resume.

Choose electives to fulfill your own curiosity and to compliment your main studies.

If you have yet to select a major, make an appointment with a faculty member in each of the schools you have     identified as a tentative major for an informational interview.

JUNIOR YEAR: test your options and evaluate progress
Start researching graduate/professional school options and requirements if you are planning to continue your     education; take appropriate required exams.

Conduct a reality-test and obtain a career-related internship; continue to build and update your resume.

Participate in job/internship fairs or other recruiting events.

Join campus and community organizations to develop and build your teamwork and leadership skills. Seek a     leadership role in a major-related campus organization.

Continue to research key corporations, industries and occupational areas of interest through informational     interviews, shadowing and resources found through Career Services, GSU 309.

Meet with advisor to ensure you are meeting degree/graduation requirements.

Establish working relationships with faculty, staff and administrators who will later serve as references for you;     develop strong relations with faculty in your major.

Take elective classes in other areas to broaden your qualifications, (foreign language, graphic design, business     writing).

Start networking with professionals in your field of interest through membership in a career-related professional     organization.

Participate in services related to job/internship search skills such as mock interviewing, networking, career     etiquette, and job/internship development.

SENIOR YEAR: implement your choice
Complete all course requirements in your major(s); schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to     review your status.

Ask your professors, past and/or current employers to serve as references or write recommendations for you -     be specific and give them a time deadline.

Buy professional business attire and be ready for interviews.

Review resume, job search methods and interview strategies with a career advisor; update and finalize your     resume.

Attend job fairs and career conferences, be prepared to promote your qualifications to employers.

Apply to graduate/professional schools early and follow through on all requirements.

Develop a strategy for each prospective industry and employer. Approach employers directly and/or via
    on-campus recruiting events, networking, or through informational interviews.

Select and apply to career appropriate employers early. If conducting job search out-of-state, plan ahead and     schedule interviews over winter or spring break with employers in your area of geographic preference.

Handout: Four Year Plan (pdf)