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.