This is only a suggestion. It isn’t perfect, and it won’t fit every student. But it can serve as a guide!
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 …
- Check out the CCPD’s online resources for students
- Develop my interests through jobs, service-learning, campus activities, and/or athletics
- Stop by the Career Studio in Dewing 102 to get to know staff and make my first resume
- 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 breaks/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
- Research what others have done with majors I’m considering
- Build my network of face-to-face and online professional contacts through career conversations via video or 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, 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 field(s) 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 post-grad fellowships, grants, 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.