First and Second Year

Learn about yourself
Learn about career options

• Learn about different disciplines by taking a variety of courses.
• Explore the resources available in the OCC.
• Read the Career Counseling Corner of the weekly college calendar and the monthly Career News.
• Schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss short-term and long-term career goals.
• Prepare a draft of your résumé.
• Gain experience related to careers of interest to you through internships or work experience the summer after your first year and/or during the semester of your sophomore year.
• Identify your interests, skills and values in relation to your academic studies or career by attending workshops for first-year students.
• Attend career panels and events.
• Participate in student organizations to explore your interests, meet new people and develop new skills.

Junior Year

Gain experience through paid work, internships or volunteering
Gain a clearer picture of what is involved in different careers

• Gain experience related to careers of interest to you through internships or work experience.
• Gain valuable skills and experience through involvement in student organizations and campus leadership activities.
• Participate in a study abroad program.
• Revise and update your résumé.
• Begin preparation for graduate or professional school by collecting letters of recommendation and preparing for the appropriate standardized test(s).
• Compile information about potential graduate programs and request graduate school applications.

Senior Year

Begin the job search early

• Meet with a career counselor to develop an individualized post-SLC plan.
• Continue gaining skills and experiences through internships or work.
• Participate in the recruiting consortiums in the fall.
• Attend the theme-based job search strategies workshops in the spring.
• Research organizations and companies and careers of interest.
• Compile a list of networking contacts and conduct informational interviews.
• Participate in alumnae/i-sponsored career events.
• Fine-tune your résumé and cover letter.

Start the application process for graduate or professional schools

• Take tests for graduate school admissions.
• Prepare applications for graduate schools.