Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | After Graduation
Freshman Year
Enroll in Career and Life Planning (LART 1200) if you are undecided on a major. This class will help you research careers and identify your interests, values, skills, talents, and personality.
Make an appointment with a career consultant in the Career Development Center to:
- Discover your interest, abilities, and values
- Establish your career goals
- Choose a major which suites your career goals
- Develop short- and long-term career plans to acquire the education, practical work experience and exposure needed to obtain your career goals
Sophomore Year
Make an appointment with a Career Advisor in the Career Development Center to:
- Review your career goals and adjust your plan of action accordingly.
- Learn to increase your marketability by taking classes that complement your major and career goals.
- Identify the required skills within your field of interest, and learn how to strengthen your skills through job shadowing, internships, and part time jobs within your chosen field.
Attend a Career Document/Resume session (fall) to:
- Learn about the type of resumes.
- Create a resume.
- Understand the types of references.
- Learn how to write a cover letter.
- Understand the application process.
Research and identify organizations/companies that are of interest to you. Determine the various skills in which they seek in their employees.
Connect with AU alumni to learn about your field of interest and the opportunities it has to offer.
Seek an internship that will provide you with experience and further develops your skills.
Explore graduate school options. Talk to a career consultant about continuing your education at the graduate level.
Junior Year
Make an appointment with a Career Advisor in the Career Development Center to review your career goals and adjust your plan of action accordingly.
Update your resume to include skills developed through any volunteer and work experiences, and have your resume reviewed by a career advisor.
Research and identify organizations/companies that are of interest to you. Determine the various skills in which they seek in their employees.
Connect with employers by attending job fairs and other career events to further learn about the industry and job opportunities.
Develop a networking list that connects you with individuals within your field of interest.
Seek another internship in your chosen industry or field to further develop your skills, gain practical work experience, and to develop additional career connects.
Complete graduate school applications if you plan to pursue graduate school.
Senior Year
Make an appointment with a Career Advisor in the Career Development Center to review your career goals and adjust your plan of action for the coming year, along with understanding how to "target" your resume toward specific jobs.
Update and polish your resume so that it clearly states the knowledge and skills obtained through your education and experiences.
Connect with your network to learn about happenings with the industry and job opportunities.
Forward your resume to possible employers, attend job fairs, and on-campus interviews.
Follow up with graduate school applications if you applied to graduate school.
Contact the Alumni Office to learn about the alumni social network.
AFTER GRADUATION Congratulations. You did it!
- Revise your résumé to include your current GPA (and/or major G.P.A.) Update your address, phone, and e-mail.
- Continue to collect references and recommendations.
- Request an official copy of your transcript to keep for your records. Make extra copies to give to an employer.
- Gather your certifications and licenses for your job portfolio. Make extra copies.
- Set a realistic time frame for continuing your job search.
If you do not have a job by graduation, meet with Career Development Center. Plan your job search and polish your interviewing skills. Keep in touch. Many job fairs happen over the summer - You can participate in these!