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 upper-level course descriptions 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.

Take a variety of courses, 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.

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 areas of interest or interested in exploring career possibilities directly or indirectly related to your major.

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 and secure a practical training opportunity (internship, volunteer experience, part-time job.

Learn more about occupational areas you're considering as possible career options through shadowing, informational interviewing, networking.

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

Build or update your resume.

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

Assume active roles in the clubs or organizations to which you belong.

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
Explore graduate school options and requirements; take appropriate required exams.

Join a professional organization that is related to your area of interest.

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.

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.

Plan a professional wardrobe.

Participate in mock interviews, available as scheduled appointments in Career Services, GSU 309.

Establish working relationships with faculty, staff and administrators who will later serve as references for you.

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

SENIOR YEAR: implement your choice
Complete all course requirements in your major (s).

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.

Plan your job search strategies or graduate school selection process.

Review resume, job search methods and interview strategies with a career counselor.

Attend job fairs and career conferences.

Take qualifying exams for entry into appropriate graduate or professional programs.

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)

CHOOSING CAREERS:

The process of choosing a satisfying career is similar to choosing a major - it involves matching your skills, interests and values with occupational areas or fields of study. The process involves four steps:

1. Self Assessment: knowledge about myself - understanding your skills, interests, abilities and personality.
2. Career Exploration: learning more about occupational areas - what are my options? A process of researching and identifying industries and environments to explore; narrowing down your options by identifying employers and departments within industries and, eventually, roles and titles; and finally, selecting areas for further exploration to determine a "best fit" - conducting site visits, informational interviewing, job shadowing, or participating in an internship or volunteer experience.
3. Career Implementation: developing and writing your resume and cover letter; preparing for interviews; organizing your job search strategies.
4. Evaluation: evaluating what's working and not working and begin next steps.