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Charting their Career Path: Freshman through Senior Year

August 12, 2014 by Priscilla Childress

Remind your student it is never to early to utilize the Career Center and make use of the resources available.

Step One (usually during the freshman year)

  •  If you have not declared a major or are unsure of a selected major, make an appointment with a Career Counselor to clarify your career goals. This usually includes self-assessments &a follow-up appointment to review assessments.
  • Join a campus organization (preferably related to your major or career interest).
  • Begin and/or continue developing skills that employers seek in job candidates.
  • Research occupations and industries by reading books, periodical articles, and websites on careers. Learn realistic statistics on salary, locations for jobs, and entrance requirements.
  • Participate in a job-shadow experience; conduct information interviews; talk to people working in jobs that interest you. Learn about their education, experience, and skills.

Step Two (usually during the sophomore year)

  • Locate an internship, volunteer experience, or part-time job that related to your career field and will help you develop important communication and work-related skills.
  • Access internship postings on JobTracks.
  • Enroll in IDS 120 for an in-depth course in career exploration and preparation.
  • Make an appointment with a Career Advisor to learn how to market self in a resume & cover letter
  • Continue researching career choices, learning about the skills needed to be competitive; work on developing those skills.
  • Build your network of contacts, including those made through job shadowing and information interviewing.
  • Participate in campus organizations; find opportunities to develop strong leadership & communication skills.
  • Develop a portfolio to showcase your accomplishments and skills.
  • Attend activities and events sponsored by the Career Center: Resume Madness, Exploring Careers Panels, Etiquette Dinner, Mock Interview Day, and Career Fairs.

Step Three (usually during the junior year)

  • Continue participating in campus and professional organizations (get involved / take on leadership roles).
  • Continue gaining experience in your field through internships, part-time or summer jobs, and volunteer experiences.
  • Research employers who hire in your major. Learn what they seek and where the jobs are located.
  • Conduct information meetings with professionals working in careers that interest you. Build your network.
  • Gain interviewing tips and learn what to expect from employers in the interview process.
  • Continue developing your network by contacting potential mentors or references.
  • Upload resume & look for internships on JobTracks (FREE): attend career fairs & participate in on-campus interviews.
  • Enroll in IDS 320 for a job-search class

Step Four (usually during the senior year/graduate school)

  • Update your resume/use walk-in hours or come to Resume Madness for resume critique.
  • Access job listings using JobTracks.   Have you uploaded your resume into JobTracks yet?
  • Participate in a Mock Interview through the Career Center. Also, participate in Mock Interview Day.
  • Participate in on-campus recruiting and to apply for jobs electronically through JobTracks.
  • Attend Career Center activities: Networking Events, Etiquette Dinner, Career Panels
  • Don’t wait until after you graduate to begin looking for a job.   Job search may take 3-6 months.
  • Continue building your network of contacts. Use your participation in professional organizations and clubs to make connections with people who may provide you with job leads.
  • Researching potential employers. Find out as much as possible about them – “Why are you interested in this company?”

For more information, visit careercenter.missouristate.edu or contact the Career Center at careercenter@missouristate.edu.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: adviser, advisor, appointment, career center, career fairs, dinner, employers, employment, ettiquette, freshman, goals, internship, interview, job search, JobTracks, junior, major, mock interview, network, networking, portfolio, professional, professional organizations, resume, senior, sophomore, work, work-related skills

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