Career Success Plan

Freshman Year - Explore Majors and Careers

• Think of college as time to develop knowledge and strengths both within and outside the classroom.
• Learn what University Career Services can help you explore your education/career options.
• Ask for an orientation to the Career Services Library and use the resources to explore majors and career fields that are interesting to you.
• If undecided about which major to choose, follow the Making Career/Academic Decisions section that follows and see a career counselor designated for undeclared students.
• Explore your options.

Sophomore Year - Explore Opportunities to Gain Career Experience

• Meet with a career counselor for help with deciding on or confirming your choice of a major. Also consider taking UNIV 200: Making/Major Career Decisions.
• Use PatriotJobWeb job listings to research and identify career-related internships and part-time jobs.
• Attend the Job/Internship Fair and other career events to make initial contact with employers and learn about their career-related opportunities.
• Set up information interviews or shadowing experiences with Mason alumni using Career Network.
• Join campus organizations and consider leadership positions to gain experience and develop skills.

Junior Year - Evaluate Decisions and Recommit to Goals

• Consider the variety of options for obtaining career-related experience: cooperative education, internships and part-time jobs.
• Begin networking with alumni and professionals in your field of interest.
• Begin work on a resume that highlights your skills, knowledge and experiences as they relate to your future goals. Have it reviewed by your career counselor.
• Enter your resume in PatriotJobWeb.
• Attend the Job/Internship Fair and other career events to speak to employers recruiting for internships, Co-op and seasonal job opportunities.

Senior Year - Prepare for the Transition to Career

• Visit your career counselor to discuss job search or graduate school preparation.
• Update your resume and have it reviewed by your career counselor.
• Make sure you are registered to use PatriotJobWeb and that your resume is updated in the database.
• Find out about the On-Campus Interviewing Program and other employer events.
• Attend appropriate employer presentations and receptions
• Use the career related internet sites to research employers and locate job openings, including Co-op and internships.
• Develop a job search action plan and use the Career Library to identify employers.
• Prepare for your job interviews. Attend an interviewing skills workshop and view the interviewing videos.
• Request a free copy of Job Choices, a guide to employment nationwide.
• Consider joining an appropriate professional or trade association.
• Identify faculty and/or work supervisors who will provide a favorable reference.
• Participate in local and regional job fairs, and other career events in the area.

Graduate Students - Continue to Move Toward Your Career Goals

• Follow the same steps as indicated for Seniors
• Join and actively participate in professional or trade associations and clubs. Assume a leadership position.
• Network with key faculty members.