SMU's Career Development Timeline

Freshman - Exploring Self

Goal: Identify and clarify your interests, abilities & values; establish relationships with faculty, advisors and others on campus that will assist you.

Activities:
~ Get involved with campus organizations.
~ Discuss possible major programs with your faculty advisor.
~ Use your General Education requirements to explore a variety of subject areas.
~ Take the Kiersey Temperament Sorter and/or Self Directed Search self-assessment inventories.
~ Use the on-line FOCUS Career Planning System.
~ Take Career Exploration (PD101).

Sophomore - Exploring Careers

Goal: Explore and determine major choice and consider potential career options.

Activities:
~ Participate in a field exploration experience.
~ Utilize FOCUS, written and on-line resources to research occupations.
~ Interview and/or job shadow professionals working in the occupation(s) you are considering.
~ Continue exploring a variety of subject areas.
~ Take Career Exploration (PD101).

Junior - Experiencing Choices

Goals: Obtain experience in your potential career choice; carry out course selection in major.

Activities:
~ Participate in an internship, part-time job, summer job, work study job or volunteer to get experience in a career of interest.
~ Take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other required entrance exam if you are considering graduate school.
~ Take Job Search Strategies (PD201).

Senior - Post Graduation Planning

Goal: Finalize career choice for post-graduation and transition from student to employee or graduate student.

Activities:
~ Start your job search 6-9 months before you graduate.
~ Attend job fairs in Minneapolis, Chicago, or other locations.
~ Research potential employers.
~ Check the Cardinal Job & Internship link and job listings on the Career Services web site regularly at: www.smumn.edu/careerservices.
~ Apply to graduate schools.
~ Take Job Search Strategies (PD201).