"The Four Year Plan"

First Year: Increase Self Awareness

  • Make an appointment with your Career Development 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 Development Office
  • 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 Development to Identify)
  • Attend Career Presentations and Workshops sponsored by Career Development Office
  • Declare your major! If still undecided, make an appointment with Career Development 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 Development Office
  • 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 Development Office can help
  • Make an appointment with Career Development 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 Development 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

 

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce. U.Ed. DS 14-13