What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation
Whether you're in your second year or gearing up for graduation, it's totally normal to feel unsure about your future. You might have a clear career path in mind or no clue what comes next—and that’s okay!Ìý
No matter where you are in your college journey, there are steps you can take now to build confidence, gain experience and get ready for life after ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ.Ìý
If you’re in your second year: Explore interests and build skillsÌý
Your second year is a great time to start narrowing down your interests and gaining hands-on experience. Here’s how to get started:Ìý
ÌýÌýGet a part-time job on campus to build your resume and explore different fields like marketing, research, customer service or athletic training.Ìý
ÌýÌýVolunteer for causes you care about. Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) has tons of opportunities to help you get involved and grow your skills.Ìý
ÌýÌýAttend workshops on resumes, internships and job search strategies.Ìý
ÌýÌýSet up informational interviews with professionals in fields you're curious about.Ìý
ÌýÌýGo to career fairs and networking events to meet employers and learn about internships.Ìý
ÌýÌýActivate your Handshake account to explore job and internship listings.Ìý
ÌýÌýThinking about graduate or professional school? Meet with a career advisor to learn about timelines and prep steps.Ìý
If you’re in your third year: Gain experience and get organizedÌý
Internships are a key part of career development, and many students land one during their third or fourth year. Here’s how to make the most of this time:Ìý
ÌýÌýComplete your Handshake profile to connect with employers and find internships.Ìý
ÌýÌýUpdate your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest experiences.Ìý
ÌýÌýPractice your elevator pitch to confidently introduce yourself to recruiters.Ìý
ÌýÌýPrepare for interviews by practicing answers to common questions.Ìý
ÌýÌýAttend career fairs and employer events to expand your network.Ìý
ÌýÌýIf you’re planning on graduate school, start researching programs, admissions requirements and standardized tests. Ask faculty for letters of recommendation and meet with a career advisor to work on your personal statement.Ìý
If you’re in your fourth or final year: Launch your careerÌý
Your final year is all about taking action. Job searches can take several months, so starting early is key. Here’s what to focus on:Ìý
ÌýÌýResearch companies and roles that align with your goals.Ìý
ÌýÌýPractice and prepare for interviews.Ìý
ÌýÌýIf you’re applying to graduate or professional school, take any required tests and have your application materials reviewed by a career advisor and faculty member.Ìý
ÌýÌýFind supportÌý
No matter what year you're in, Career Services is here to support you. From choosing a major to landing your first job or applying to grad school, we’ve got resources and advisors ready to help.Ìý