Career Preparation Timeline

In your freshman year:


In your sophomore year:

  • Continue developing your leadership, analytical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills (all essential for any career).
  • Update your resume and have it reviewed.
  • Participate in a job shadowing experience. 
  • Create your profile in Handshake.
  • Attend a Career Fair.
  • Strengthen your resume by obtaining a job, internship, and/or volunteer opportunities.
  • Discuss your career goals with your academic advisor.


In your junior year:

  • Continue to build your resume with experience: jobs, internship, volunteering, and leadership experiences.
  • Continue to update your resume and Handshake profile.
  • Work on your cover letter writing skills.
  • Improve your interview skills and schedule a mock interview.
  • Conduct Informational Interviews
  • Network with professionals working in your area of interest.
  • Attend a Career Fair.
  • Take on leadership roles within student organizations and/or community/volunteer programs.
  • Discuss your career goals with your academic advisor.


In your senior year:

  • Polish your resume and cover letter writing skills.
  • Continue to update your resume and Handshake profile.
  • Improve your interview skills and schedule a mock interview.
  • Network with professionals working in your area of interest.
  • Attend a Career Fair.
  • Begin targeted job searching.
  • Discuss your career goals with your academic advisor.