Career Exploration

• Self-assessment
• Research occupations
• Choose a major
• 4 year career plan
• Seek assistance
• Christian ministry

GC 4-year career plan

Although graduation may seem far away, recent graduates will tell you that it arrives quickly. Many students delay career development until very late in their collegiate life, adding additional pressure to an already full schedule. With strategic active planning over four years, your stress will be greatly reduced as graduation approaches, giving you the confidence and professional tools to transition to your first experience after college.

• First year
• Sophomore year
• Junior year
• Senior year

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First-Year: Exploration

Get to know yourself—your values, skills, & interests

• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the process of choosing a major
• Explore student resources both online and with career services staff
• Consider enrolling in the Career Exploration class (DCS 210) during spring semester
• Employers want leaders—take an active role within a campus group to develop leadership, organizational, and communication skills
• Your GPA will likely be a factor in securing internships and full-time jobs—develop good study habits now
• Explore part-time and work-study on-campus job options
• Schedule one or more internships starting after your sophomore year
• Get to know your professors outside of class

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Sophomore Year: Examination

Gather information about career options

• Participate in career development workshops, including résumé writing and interviewing
• Create a résumé and cover letter and have them reviewed by the career services staff
• Develop universal career-related skills (computer, accounting, writing, second language, etc.)
• Conduct research and solicit information from professors, juniors and seniors, and other professionals to finalize your decision on a major
• Use the GC job & internship bank to research summer job and internship opportunities within your field that test your major and career choices
• Explore career interests through informational interviewing, job shadowing, or volunteer work
• Do your first internship this summer or next fall

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Junior Year: Experience

Gain experience via internships, job shadowing, & volunteering

• Check your academic coursework and major requirements with your advisor
• Update your résumé, have it reviewed by the career services office, and post it on the GC job & internship bank
• Talk to professionals in your field to find out about their careers and to research your personal career interests
• Gather examples of work for your professional portfolio
• Maintain a strong GPA
• Seek positions of leadership in campus organizations and/or voluntary service
• Explore the option of attending graduate or professional school (research schools and financial aid, prepare for admission tests)
• Do your second internship this summer or next academic year

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Senior Year: Employment & Education

Network in your chosen field and attain your career goal

• Ensure that your résumé and cover letter are tailored for a professional job search by talking with
• Research employers and job opportunities; use your network and contacts to acquire interviews and job leads
• Visit the GC job bank for job openings
• If graduate school is in your immediate future, take graduate admission tests during the fall and complete applications to meet deadlines
• Attend career services events and workshops to master effective job search skills
• Participate in Super Tuesday for a practice interview to improve your interviewing skills
• Attend area career fairs
• Ask professors and supervisors to act as references
• Plan a post-graduation internship to gain further skills and a potential job
• Smile as you receive your diploma!