Self Assess and Explore

Internal: Examine the past and present to prepare for the future.

On Campus
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss choosing a major.
  • Even if you think you have decided on a major, attend at least one "Choosing a Major" event to help confirm your choice.
Volunteer
  • Join at least one student organization.
  • Maximize part-time work by asking to create a project or volunteer to take on leadership responsibilities.
Social Media
  • Fan/Follow Career Services on Facebook and Twitter
  • Start a LinkedIn account and make 15 personalized connections by the end of first term.
  • Increase privacy settings on personal Facebook and Twitter accounts
Create Opportunity

External: Explore and accumulate resources.

  • Enroll in a Resume Workshop through Career Services.
  • Create a draft of your resume.
  • Meet with your Career Counselor to plan internship/job search strategies.
Connect

External: Explore and accumulate resources.

  • Conduct three informational interviews and/or job shadows with people in positions or careers of interest. Be sure to send thank you notes afterward.
  • Consider studying abroad and fill out an application by February.
If you are considering graduate school, also...
  • Find a research opportunity related to your specific field of interest.
  • Become a Teaching Assistant (TA) for a class in your specific field of study.

Develop Skills

Build your unique brand and develop skills for your future pathway.

Career Resources
Homework
  • Join a professional association related to your field.
  • View company websites and use sites such as CareerVault to research companies and determine at least five of interest.
  • Identify five position titles of interest.
  • Update LinkedIn profile and make 15 more personalized connections.
  • Look for internships through your Pioneer Careers account and through UCAN. Is the internship for academic credit or not for credit?
  • Develop 30 second elevator speech.
  • Invest in professional attire.
  • Sign up for City Trek or City Ventures, where you will have the opportunity to visit employers on location (NYC, DC, Front Range). Check with your career center for details.
If you are considering graduate school, also...
  • Draft personal statement and meet with your Career Counselor to review.
  • Know the difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) and which one (or both) that you need.
  • Meet with at least three professors and go to the Writing Center to review personal statement.
  • If possible, visit graduate schools of interest.
  • Conduct informational interviews with past/current students and faculty of graduate schools of interest.
  • Study for standardized testing by attending class and/or using a book.
  • Schedule and complete standardized testing.

Search for Jobs and Internships

Take action and make decisions for your future pathway.

Career Resources
  • Meet with your Career Counselor plan your job/internship search strategy and set goals.
  • Update resume by turning experiences into marketable/transferrable skills.
  • Update LinkedIn profile. Make 15 more personalized connections. Make sure all of your social media content is professional and appropriate.
  • Attend the three annual Career and Internship Fairs as well as Industry Expos.
  • Schedule at least three appointments with on-campus recruiters.
  • Meet with three professors to begin building a list of references. Be sure to send thank you notes afterward.
  • Check job/internship postings on Pioneer Careers and related sites weekly.
  • Be sure to "opt-in" to the Pioneer Careers resume library so employers may view your credentials.
  • Consider relocation and research at least three other cities you may be interested in working in.
If you are considering graduate school, also...
  • Apply to at least three graduate schools of interest. Be aware of deadlines.
  • Have your Faculty Advisor review your final application materials.
  • Schedule an appointment with your Career Counselor to practice for graduate school interviews.

Make Decisions and Transition

Transition into a successful future.

On Campus
  • Attend at least two events or conferences sponsored by professional organizations related to your field.
  • Attend a College-to-Work event such as: Graduating, Now What? Employers and Alumni Tell All (Fall), Backpacks to Briefcases, and Spring into Your Career (Spring).
  • Visit Salary.com to gain a better understanding of salaries for at least three jobs of interest. Enroll in a workshop on salary negotiation
  • Follow up with employers by phone or email after sending in applications.
  • Register with Alumni Relations and join a Chapter in your city of choice.
  • Stay in touch with people whom you conducted informational interviews, including connections made through the Pioneer Career Network.
  • Remember that DU Career Services are available to you throughout your lifetime.
If you are considering graduate school, also...
  • Consider relocation and research at least three other cities in which you may be interested in going to school.