First year:

• Attend the Student Organization Fair (See "How do I start?" section) and get involved on campus. Employers seek students who are active on campus and in the community.
• If you’re not taking University 101, stop by the Career Center to explore your major/career.  Individual staff will introduce you to our Web Resources and Discovery Tools. Reviewing the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin, Undergraduate Degree List, and the Minors Bulletin can also help you explore possible majors.
• Develop good study habits and earn good grades since your g.p.a may be a key factor in securing internships and full-time jobs.
• Get to know your professors and academic advisor who may eventually serve as employment references.
• If you are considering medical school, law school or other pre-health professions, be sure to connect with the Office of Pre-Professional Advising.
• Develop a resume and cover letter using Optimal Resume. (We can give you feedback.)
• Investigate part-time and/or summer jobs using JobMate.
• Job fairs are also a good place to make contacts.

Second year:

• Explore your career interests through information interviewing, job shadowing, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
• Discover career options in the Career Library or through Web Resources.
• Continue to stay involved on campus through campus activities.
• Identify volunteer opportunities through the Office of Community Service Programs to increase your skills and gain experience.
• Continue forming positive relationships with professors and advisors.
• If graduate school is in your future, explore initial research opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research.
• Talk with a staff member about updating your resume and cover letter. Consider using Optimal Resume.
• Use JobMate to investigate opportunities for internships or co-ops in your field that test out your major/career choice.
• Make contacts at job fairs.
• Obtain a summer job in your field.

Third year:

• Maintain a strong GPA in your major coursework.
• Pursue leadership roles in campus activities to enhance your “marketability” to employers.
• Identify volunteer opportunities through the Office of Community Service Programs to increase your skills and gain experience.
• Talk with a staff member about updating your resume and cover letter. Consider using Optimal Resume.
• Sharpen your interviewing skills through a practice interview.
• Attend fall and spring job fairs and begin networking for your senior year job search.
• Continue forming positive relationships with professors and advisors.
• Find out if graduate school is right for you and begin looking for programs that fit your career goals. Talk with a staff member to narrow your options and familiarize yourself with requirements and deadlines.
• Prepare for graduate school by exploring research opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research.
• Register for JobMate and set up your account.
• If you have a Basic Access account in JobMate, upgrade to a Full Access account, post your resume, access campus interviews, and participate in resume referrals.
• Be sure your JobMate Profile is current to maximize your referral opportunities.
• Obtain an internship, co-op, or career-related experience to gain professional skills.

Fourth year:

• Talk with a staff member to make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored for a professional job search. Consider using Optimal Resume.
• Regardless of your graduation date, plan to participate in on-campus interviewing in the fall AND in the spring. The first deadline is early September.
• Sharpen your interviewing skills with a practice interview.
• Network with recruiters at job fairs and information sessions.
• Talk with a staff member to develop job search strategies.
• Research employers, salary ranges, and relocation costs.
• Select professors and supervisors to act as your references; discuss your plans with them.
• If graduate school is in your future, take graduate admissions tests and apply to graduate schools.
• Maintain solid grades.