Finding the perfect job after graduation is a process that takes years of preparation. Listed below are some recommendations to maximize your potential to land your dream job.
Freshman Year
- Identify interests, work values, skills and abilities through self-assessments by utilizing Discover Online, Career Connections, and by visiting the following on-campus offices:
- Visit the Wilson Advising Center
- Make an appointment at the ASU Counseling Center
- Identify majors what relate to your abilities and interests, and meet with faculty in that department or an advisor in the Wilson Advising Center.
- Find relevant work/volunteer experiences in the areas that interest you.
- Research student organizations available on campus and within the community and consider joining one.
- Start and maintain a personal academic file with current grades, reports, projects, honors, and activities.
- Create a resume and schedule an appointment at the Career Management Center with a career consultant for a resume critique or an advising session, followed by completing a student profile and uploading your resume to Career Connect..
- Search for a summer job, internship, or study abroad related to your career interest. Review academic department bulletin boards; talk to faculty, family and friends; and check your Career Connect account daily.
- Attend Career Management Center events, such as: Resume Workshops, Career Week, Career Fairs, and Professional Dining Etiquette.
- Maintain a good GPA
Sophomore Year
- Target course electives that will enhance your marketability to employers.
- Consider a semester to study abroad; visit the Study Abroad Program in 323 International Student Center.
- Visit the Career Management Center, and your major department to gather information on internships, co-ops, volunteer experiences, independent research or workstudy posting related to your area of interest or chosen career field and begin applying for opportunities.
- Arrange job shadowing and informational interviews in your field of interest through the Career
- Management Center or academic department.
- Participate in Community Connect Program.
- Contact professional associations that provide current information about your career field or area of interest.
- Update career portfolio each semester.
- Begin networking for your references.
- Attend Career Fairs and Employer Information Sessions. Check "Events" tab in your Career Connect account.
- Attend the mealtime Professional Dining Etiquette event .
- Update your profile information and resume in Career Connect.Complete your cover letter.
- Join professional student organizations to develop leadership skills.
Junior Year
- Continue to add new skills and experiences to your resume and career portfolio.
- Pursue leadership positions in student organizations and community/volunteer activities.
- Purchase interview attire and begin to build a professional wardrobe.
- Attend annual Career Fairs and Employer Information Sessions.
- Identify at least five position titles in career fields that interest you, and research seven to ten employers that offer those positions.
- Practice interview sessions in Optimal Resume.
- Participate in a mock interview at the Career Management Center.
- Secure an internship, co-op, independent study, or community/volunteer work experi-ence. Understand and learn about the job search process by utilizing the CMC Resource Center.
- If contemplating graduate school, request application materials and information from several potential graduate schools.
- Inquire about tests required to enter graduate school.
- Select three to five work or academic references that can highlight your accomplishments.
- Build networking, interviewing and job search skills. Continue to job shadow and conduct informational interviews.
- Actively develop career goals and plan "next step" towards achieving your goals.
- Read professional publications, attend a professional conference, study abroad, and/or conduct faculty student research.
Senior Year
- Participate in mealtime Professional Dining Etiquette event.
- Participate in Career Fairs offered by the Career Management Center and/or academic areas.
- Finalize your resume and have it critiqued by a career consultant in the Career Management Center.
- Confirm and obtain three to five letters of recommendation (education majors).or individuals who can serve as references.
- Complete your career portfolio and/or credential file (education majors).
- Refine your interviewing skills by utilizing mock interviews at the Career Management Center and Optimal Resume practice interview sessions.
- Use your Career Connect account to post your resume, conduct your job search, and sign up for on-campus interviews.
- Conduct an on-campus job search, simultaneous to your off-campus search.
- Continue to prepare for graduate school.Complete applications, resumes, letters of application, and personal statements.
- Review job offers: Create letter(s) to employers declining or accepting employment .Report employment information to the Career Management Center..
- Familiarize yourself with the Arkansas State Alumni Association and learn how you can become an alumni.
