What can I do to start planning my career now?
Freshman Year
- Take career interest tests at the Academic Counseling Center
- Meet with an academic advisor to discuss your possible major
- Get to know your school, professors, available opportunities and how to succeed in classes
- Take classes to help you succeed, for example:
- Get involved on campus (develop your leadership & interpersonal skills)
- Take a part-time or summer job that will increase your understanding of careers
- Experiment. Try classes in a few different areas of study
- Ask other people in your life (e.g. family and friends) to help you identify your career-related traits
Sophomore Year
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Learn more about your school's majors by reading the catalog and talking to faculty in programs that seem interesting
- Get a part-time job or pursue a volunteer experience that relates to a field of interest to you
- Strive to declare a major in your sophomore year. You can adjust your schedule as necessary if you need more time
- Read about various majors and careers. Ask people in different careers about their experience, observations and any advice they might share with you. Read the job descriptions for jobs you might like and make certain you obtain the necessary experience
- Develop fundamental skills related to career exploration, decision making and professional development. This includes verbal and written communication, human relations, and job search strategies
- Explore internships, summer jobs and other opportunities in your field
Junior Year
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Concentrate on coursework in your major
- Meet with a career counselor to discuss your career planning. If you haven't already, register on the UV Job Board
- Explore internships, summer jobs and other opportunities in your field
- Using your career center and other resources:
- Develop a resume and learn how to tailor it to the needs of specific employers
- Learn about cover and thank you letters
- Prepare to interview (e.g. mock interviews, research companies)
- Develop effective job search strategies
- Attend career fairs
- Participate as a student member in professional organizations and begin networking. Get to know faculty and administrators
Senior Year
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Complete the requirements for you major
- Evaluate your work history and acquire employment and internship opportunities that align with your career goals
- Practice interviewing with a career counselor
- Choose faculty, administrators and work contacts for your references
- Research companies/organizations you'll be interviewing with, prepare thoroughly for interviews and land yourself a job
- Attend career-related workshops. Stay in touch with your career counselor
- Utilize the UV Job Board, on-campus recruiting, company information sessions, career fairs and other resources to find the work you want
- If you are going on to graduate school, study for and take the appropriate tests and apply to the schools of your choice
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