Develop a Career Plan | Springfield College

First Year:

During your first year, you are adjusting to college life, learning to balance your academic requirements with campus activities and a social life. It is a time of transition and change, excitement and curiosity. Until now, most students have followed a path prescribed for them by parents, teachers, and others. Your college years provide the opportunity to expand your world and take charge of your life and your career. The staff and resources in the Career Center can help you to make important decisions for yourself.

Go to the Career Center home page to learn about the many services we provide
Consider college as preparation for your life; sharpen your study skills and time management abilities
Document what you are learning about yourself and what important skills you are acquiring at college
Routinely view the Career Center's web page to gain access to information about part-time jobs, summer jobs and internships; you’ll also receive individualized correspondence regarding your career development
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about your major! Start gathering information now about majors and careers so you can make the right decision for you
Schedule an appointment with the Career Center to use FOCUS, our on-line career guidance system to explore careers; consider taking the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as well
Get to know your faculty advisor, other faculty, and administrators
Attend the On-Campus Job Fair the first week of fall semester and continue to explore on-campus opportunities on the Career Center web page.
Get involved! Attend the Club Fair to see what student organizations are available; checkout the Student Activities home page to view a complete list of clubs on campus
Take introductory courses to explore possible majors
Volunteer - visit the Office of Student Volunteer Programs

Second Year:

Explore your options! Learn about how your interests, strengths, values, and skills effect your career decisions. You’ll gather information, learn about yourself, and begin to make decisions about your future
Read up on fields of interest; talk to people about what they do. Arrange an informational interview with someone in your field; ask what their workday is like and what skills or traits are important for success
Schedule an appointment to meet with the career counselor who liaisons with your major to begin to map out a career plan
Ask about Shadowing opportunities to further explore occupations
Develop good communication and public speaking skills
Research careers using the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Develop a resume for internships, part-time, or summer jobs. Refer to web page or schedule an appointment with the Career Center
Get involved in campus life. Join or take a leadership role in a campus club or organization
Keep your co-curricular portfolio updated

Third Year:

By this time you have taken courses and gathered information leading to a career. Now you can begin to narrow your choices. The Career Center can help you determine the kind of experiences you will need to get the job you want when you graduate.
Learn to write an effective resume and cover letter by attending an Info Session offered through the Career Center
Update your resume
Considering graduate school? Begin researching graduate programs, consider taking the GRE prep course, attend graduate school fairs. Use the Career Center resources to support your application process
Continue to develop leadership skills through athletics or co-curricular/volunteer involvement
Secure a career-related internship. Attend Career Fairs, Volunteer
Join professional organizations affiliated with your major
Attend regional or national conferences and seminars to begin to develop contacts in your field
Consider applying for a Professional development Award from the Career Center.

Fourth Year:

By the time you are a senior, you are preparing for the next step into the world of work. You have acquired knowledge and experience in your chosen field, improved your communication skills, developed leadership qualities, and identified your values. Now it is time to focus on your job search.
Check to be sure you have completed all the requirements for your degree
Have your resume and cover letter reviewed by the Career Center staff
Take graduate school entrance exams and complete grad school applications
Attend Job Fairs
Attend Graduation & Beyond to acquire the professional polish that employers are looking for
Participate in a mock interview to develop confidence in your ability to get that first professional job
Identify and approach faculty, employers, and administrators for references
Visit the Career Center regularly for workshops, job leads, and support
Start your job search early
Develop a linkedIn profile
Create a personalized business card in the Career Center