Career Development
The Center for Experiential Learning (CEL) allows students to integrate the information and methods they learn while studying the liberal arts with experiences gained outside the classroom. Additionally, the Center provides a variety of programs and services to assist students in self-assessment, career exploration and job search needs. This career curriculum includes projects for students to complete during each year of their college experience. Please remember that these are guidelines since students progress at different speeds and enter college at a variety of levels. If students focus on these phases of exploration, clarification, preparation and implementation they can expect to successfully achieve their career goals.
First Year - Exploration
- Experience a variety of courses, activities, work and volunteer opportunities which will help you assess your skills, interests, values and goals.
- Visit the CEL and other campus departments so you can learn about their resources, services and programs.
- Learn about the various academic majors and courses that are available to you.
- Utilize FOCUS, a web-based career decision-making system, available to all students.
- Start collection of items for a portfolio which will include information about yourself to use with resumes, interviews and other tools for your eventual job and graduate/professional school searches.
- Investigate internships, study abroad, and other opportunities offered by CEL.
Sophomore - Clarification
- Identify your skills, interests, values and goals.
- Determine ways to enhance your strengths and improve your weak areas.
- Declare your academic major.
- Complete a resume and cover letter.
- Investigate internships, study abroad, and other opportunities offered by CEL.
- Experience internships, study abroad, and other career-related positions and experiences.
Junior - Preparation
- Hone your professional skills (such as writing, speech and computers) and your job search skills (such as resume writing, interview preparation and professional etiquette).
- Research career fields and employers through a variety of resources, including CareerSearch, a web-based employer database, available to all students.
- Investigate graduate and professional school opportunities, and application requirements.
- Experience internships, study abroad, and other career-related positions and experiences.
Senior - Implementation
- Be prepared to adapt your resume and cover letter for specific career opportunities or graduate/professional school applications.
- Get ready for interviews by utilizing CEL resources (seminars, books, and videotapes), purchasing appropriate attire, preparing and practicing responses to interview questions, and learning more about companies, graduate/professional schools and career fields.
- Continue to build your professional network of faculty/staff members, supervisors, alumni and others who can provide information about careers and potential opportunities.
|
