CC-CareerPlan

Career Plan

The following Career Plan steps enhance student career preparation during each year of college rather than waiting until the senior year and graduation. Late preparation is better than no preparation, but we would rather see students early.

PHASE I: AWARENESS - Freshman Year (First 30 Hours)

A. GOALS

1. Become aware of career fields in relation to tentative major.

2. Explore the value of extracurricular activities.

3. Develop work-related values.

B. ACTIVITIES

1. Make a tentative choice of major.

2. Consider enrolling in the Career Exploration & Development Course.

3. Non-business majors may consider minoring in Business.

4. Explore career areas by reading and talking to faculty and professionals in the field.

5. Schedule an appointment with the Career Counselor and visit the Career Library.

6. Participate in residence hall, commuter and/or departmental activities.

7. Join a club to practice interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.

8. Participate in volunteer community service activities.

9. Consider obtaining a summer job related to your major/career goals.

PHASE II: EXPLORATION - Sophomore Year (30-60 Hours)

A. GOALS

1. Explore and determine a preliminary major and career choice.

2. Take responsibility for your life and career decisions.

3. Prepare for the Internship/ Cooperative Education Program.

B. ACTIVITIES

1. Reaffirm curriculum plan and major with faculty advisor.

2. Consider enrolling in the Career Exploration & Development Course.

3. Seek individual advisement, informational interviewing, and networking.

4. Prepare a resume and have it critiqued by Career Services Department.

5. Attend Career Days and an Internship/ Co-op Seminar.

6. Use the Career Library in Career Services.

7. Consider an internship, co-op, part-time, or summer job to test career fields.

PHASE III: EXPERIENCE - Junior Year (60-90 Hours)

A. GOALS

1. Carry out course selection within major.

2. Experience and confirm career choice.

3. Prepare resume and schedule a mock interview with the Career Services Department.

4. Consider graduate school.

B. ACTIVITIES

1. Have your resume critiqued by the Career Services Department.

2. Consider enrolling in the Career Exploration & Development Course.

3. Attend Career Days and interview for further Internship/ Co-op employment.

4. Discuss graduate school career options with the Graduate School staff and faculty.

5. Take the appropriate graduate exam(s), if you're considering attending graduate school.

6. Have an alternative plan ready depending upon your scores.

7. Begin preparation for professional work. Purchase business attire or visit the
Clothes Closet at Career Services.

PHASE IV: CHOICE - Senior Year (90 + Hours)

A. GOALS

1. Finalize career choices.

2. Establish contacts in your chosen field.

3. Transition from student to employee or graduate student.

B. ACTIVITIES

1. Complete second or third Internship/ Co-op if applicable.

2. Consider enrolling in the Career Exploration & Development Course.

3. Attend Career Days and Career Fairs.

4. Visit the Career Services Department.

5. Develop a marketing plan if seeking employment.

6. Apply to graduate school if applicable.

7. Schedule and participate in a mock interview with Career Services.

8. Have resume critiqued by Career Services Department.

9. Research thoroughly potential employers.

10. Use the internet and library to search for information.

11. Transition to full time professional employee.