On
23
May
2016
4-year Career Plan
Freshman Year
Fall
- Register for BisonCareerLink (BCL) and create your profile at https://howard-csm.symplicity.com
- Contact the Office of Career Services (OCS) to receive your access code to take the free online self-assessments at www.howard.myplan.com
- Attend a Career Planning Workshop and learn correct resume and cover letter writing skills
- Have your resume reviewed at resume critiquing session
- Attend OCS fall career fair
Spring
- Start searching for a summer internship
- Attend career education workshops
- Attend OCS spring career fair
- Register for Career Planning and Development course ACAD 101
Summer
- Secure your 1st general internship
- Research companies of interest
- Update your profile on BisonCareerLink
- Assess your computer skills
Sophomore Year
Fall
- Update profile and resume and have resume reviewed
- Research companies of interest
- Attend Career Development Workshops and participate in career webinars online
- Attend the OCS fall career fair
Spring
- Attend OCS spring Career Fair
- Sign up for on-campus interviews for summer internships on BisonCareerLink
- Start to build your career networking list
- Take industry specific mock interviews
- Attend company information sessions
- Build and maintain rapport with professors and administrators. You will soon need letters of recommendation for jobs and/or graduate school applications
- Apply to the Junior Experiential Learning (JEL) Program
Summer
- Start your 2nd internship related to your declared or intended major
- Conduct informational interviews with people in careers that you are interested in
- Evaluate your career plan
- Review and update your Career Network List
- Review and update your resume
Junior year
Fall
- Start to research graduate schools and programs, if you plan to attend.
- Update and review your skills and interests
- Research hot topics or new trends in your field
- Attend career development workshops
- Work with faculty on undergraduate research projects
- Find a Mentor
Spring
- Start searching and applying for internships specific to another aspect of your major
- Prepare for graduate admission tests
- Attend OCS Spring Career Fair
- Look at current job openings to assess skills and background required
- Take leadership roles in clubs and organizations
- Practice your interviewing skills; Take a mock interview on BisonCareerLink
- Sign up for on-campus interviews for summer internships
Summer
- Start your 3rd internship related to your major
- Update your profile on BisonCareerLink
- Review and update your cover letter and resume
- Request letters of recommendation from professors and/or administrators
- Job Shadow at least two professionals in careers that are of interest to you
- Review and update your Career Network List
Senior Year
Fall
- Attend the OCS Fall Career Fair
- Participate in on-campus interviews in OCS
- Attend employer information sessions
- Attend a financial planning workshop
- Search and secure a full-time job unless you are planning on going to graduate school
- Write personal statement and submit applications to graduate school
Spring
- Attend OCS Spring Career Fair
- Sign up for on-campus interviews on BisonCareerLink
- Procure and secure a full time job offer
Summer
- Prepare for the world of work and/or graduate school
Congratulations! You are now free to take a much deserved vacation and rest up for the first day on the job!
