Career Development Checklist

First Year: Increase Self Awareness

• Make an appointment with your Career Services Counselor to become familiar with our resources
• Identify majors that relate to your abilities and interests. Make an appointment to use My Plan, the Self-Directed Search or Skill Scan. Discuss results with your Academic Advisor and Career Counselor
• Learn more about yourself: Identify personal interests, values, skills and abilities
• Network! Talk to family, friends, faculty and staff about the nature of their jobs. Attend networking and alumni events on campus
• Attend Career Presentations and Workshops sponsored by Career Services
• Join a club or organization relevant to your interests
• Contact Alumni through LionLink and conduct informational interviews

Sophomore Year: Explore Career Alternatives

• Explore relevant work experiences such as internships, externships, co-ops, volunteer work and career-related part time employment
• Work with your Academic Advisor to learn about requirements for majors. Target electives related to your career interest
• Conduct informational interviews and spend a day shadowing someone in your field of interest
• Become aware of general career trends and future employment needs. (Work with Career Services to Identify)
• Attend Career Presentations and Workshops sponsored by Career Services
• Declare your major! If still undecided, make an appointment with Career Services to explore My Plan, the Self-Directed Search or Skill Scan and meet with your academic advisor

Junior Year: Initiate Career Preparation

• Research employment options available to you in your chosen major
• Continue to increase your skills and awareness through meaningful career-related activities and work
• Make an appointment with your Career Counselor to discuss internship opportunities
• Contact alumni by enrolling in LionLink
• If considering graduate study, begin researching potential schools and graduate school exam schedules
• Register on Nittany Lion Career Network to apply for current job and internship opportunities
• Attend Career Presentations and Workshops sponsored by Career Services
• Continue to talk with professionals in your field about job search techniques and opportunities

Senior Year: Implement Career Choice

• Complete an internship in your chosen field regardless of whether or not one is required – Career Services can help
• Make an appointment with Career Services to finalize your resume, to learn about upcoming job search skills programs and recruiting opportunities
• Join a professional association related to your chosen field
• Attend Job Fairs
• If attending graduate school, complete application process
• Prepare for the interview - attend a mock interview session with Career Services or use InterviewStream
• Update resume on Nittany Lion Career Network, emphasizing career related experience
• Collect references
• Begin active job hunting, utilizing campus resources, as well as networking