Everything that you do in life has a process and procedure, so does the field of career development.

The following major headings are the basic stages of career development.  The statements below the headings are the actions one should take during the stage; however, the stages may be integrated and worked on simultaneously. You are about to begin a journey!

Learn about Yourself

• Take interest and personality inventories to assess your interests, values, and priorities.
• Schedule an appointment with a Career Counseling Advisor to discuss inventory results and career options.

Explore your Options 

• Explore interests and career options by using books and electronic resources.
• Explore internships and summer positions.
• Conduct information interviews and job-shadowing experiences in your field of interest.
• Attend career-related programming that features alumni, employers, and job-search information.
• Talk with faculty, friends, relatives, parents, and acquaintances in the field that interest you.
• Create a professional resume and save examples of your work for a portfolio.

Gain Relevant Experience

• Attend career workshops and events.
• Seek career-related summer jobs, part-time jobs, internships, and volunteer experiences in your career field.
• Explore other training or certificate programs.  Investigate four-year-degree, graduate, and professional programs.
• Enhance your professional network by joining professional associations and gaining exposure to your chosen field.
• Identify and research employers in your major academic field or a related field of interest.

Enhance Your Marketability

• Gain confidence in the knowledge, skills, and experience you have to offer an employer.
• Continue to research employers.
• Revise your resume and cover letter, and have them critiqued.
• Schedule with Career Services a mock interview.
• Plan your job-search strategy or marketing campaign. Use the Career Services website, which has many resources and hyperlinks to assist you with interview questions, dress etiquette, and job-search information.
• Consider continuing your education. Investigate and apply to the programs you are serious about.