4-Year Career Development Plan

My Life After K…

As I move through my four years at K, I can use these checklists to develop the knowledge, skills, and networks I’ll need to succeed in my life after K.

First-Year: Explore

Who do I want to be?

I will …

  • Develop my interests through jobs, service-learning, campus activities, and/or athletics
  • Stop by the Career Studio in Dewing 102 to get started on thinking about what I will do at K to prepare me for life after K
  • Check out the CCPD’s online resources for students and learn how to use Handshake (the Career Studio can help!)
  • Consider my values, personality, and strengths through career assessment tools
  • Meet alumni professionals at CCPD events (see them all in Handshake)
  • Get to know my professors during their office hours, which are listed on their course syllabi
  • Use the summer to gain experience by doing a job shadow, internship and/or a summer job

Sophomore Year: Experience

What do I want to do with my life?

In addition to the list above, I will …

  • Add my summer experiences to Handshake, LinkedIn, and my resume
  • Meet with a Career Coach to talk about how to find opportunities to build new skills and make new connections
  • Research what others have done with majors I’m considering
  • Build my network of face-to-face and online professional contacts
  • Meet alumni through LinkedIn and in person through networking receptions
  • Request informational interviews with alumni professionals who have interesting career paths
  • Attend CCPD events and check out local graduate school and/or job fairs
  • If I’m going on Study Abroad, consider the skills I want to build while away
  • Use the summer to gain experience by doing a job shadow, internship and/or a summer job 

Junior Year: Expand

How do I get there from here?

In addition to the lists above, I will …

  • Meet with a career coach, via Skype if I’m abroad, to talk about initial plans for next steps afer graduation: i.e. work, gap year, graduate school
  • If I’m on campus, visit the CCPD and attend CCPD events and local graduate school and/or job fairs
  • If I’m thinking of graduate school, research application deadlines and register for admission tests
  • Consider post-baccalaureate opportunities including fellowships and scholarships
  • Plan for my junior summer of SIP research and/or an internship
  • Expand my professional network, face-to-face and online via LinkedIn
  • Start reading the news and joining professional organizations in the fields I’m considering
  • Practice interviewing with with Big Interview
  • Schedule job shadows with alumni professionals in careers I’m considering

Senior Year: Embark    

Am I ready for my life after K?

In addition to the lists above, I will …

  • Meet with a career coach for help defining my next steps after graduation and developing a back-up plan
  • Perfect my resume, my Handshake and LinkedIn profiles, my online presence, and my elevator pitch
  • Complete my graduate school and financial aid applications
  • Attend CCPD Events
  • Activate my network for job leads, keep a list of confirmed references
  • Make sure I know what I should wear to an interview in my industry, and get help finding attire if needed
  • Apply for post-baccalaureate opportunities and/or fellowships and scholarships
  • Apply for job opportunities, evaluate and negotiate offers
  • Complete the First Destination Survey, knowing I may update it through the fall after June Commencement
  • Share my search and my success with staff, faculty, and alumni who have helped me

Connect with a CCPD for help every step of the way! Visit the Career Studio or book an appointment with a Carer Coach online through Handshake.