Career Planning & Exploration: Career Decision Making

FRESHMAN YEAR

Consider college as preparation for life.
Enroll in general education courses with help of advisors.
Study the student guide to learn of resources available on campus.
Start personal development activities (Career planning, Co-op Office).
Learn the academic system; utilized the bulletin and schedule of courses.
Begin to consider possible career choices. Pick up handouts on career center activities. Visit career planning lab. Attend career planning workshops.
Get to know faculty, advisors, and administrators.
Keep GPA up.
See Co-op Office about summer jobs related to major.

SUMMER VACATION: get a job--earn money--get work experience--learn to get along with people--develop maturity.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Complete introductory courses in prospective major field.
Self-assessment: consider interests, strengths, skills, values, and abilities; attend career center workshop and career/life planning sessions.
Utilize online career tools: Check "Quick Links" and other options avaialble under Career Planning and Exploration.
Begin to research employers.
Explore occupations: training needed, demands for jobs, alternative entry-level jobs and networking opportunities.
Make a tentative career choice.
Get to know advisors, faculty, administrators, and career advisors.
Apply for Co-op experience related to major.
Attend Career Fairs on and off campus.

SUMMER VACATION: get a job--earn money--develop skills and confidence--build a good work reputation.

JUNIOR YEAR

Join organizations to develop leadership skill.
Utilize the career resource library.
Consider alternative career paths related to major field of study.
Begin to combine reality testing with values and skills assessment.
Through credit-bearing work experience (Co-op) test your qualifications for work in your possible career field(s).
Get to know faculty, advisors, administrators, and career advisors.
Take elective courses in other fields of interest.
Apply for Co-op experience related to major.
Attend Career Fairs on and off campus

SUMMER VACATION: try out work in your potential field--compile inventory of interests, values, skills.

SENIOR YEAR

Complete the course requirements in major(s) and/or minor(s).
Attend workshops on resumes, cover letters, interviews, job search techniques.
Sign up for interviews on/off campus.
Discuss opportunities with faculty, advisors, and career services.
Develop a timetable for your career development after graduation.
Make reference choices.
Apply for Co-op experience related to major.
Attend Career Fairs on and off campus.

_________________________
Ron Vick, MA, LPC
Counselor / Academic Advisor
Int'l Student Advisor