Career Development Timeline

I'm sure by now you have noticed the last four posts have included a section of the four-year career development timeline. If you are a freshman you're probably wondering when they will end since yours was posted first! Consider the four sections of the timeline your "4 Steps to YOUR future." Refer back to the posts often to stay on track!

Look for exciting new posts to arrive a couple times each week!

Remember....students, parents and faculty can post anytime, just email your post to jbaker@smumn.edu. A variety of authors will make this blog even more interesting!!

Senior - post-graduation planning

This is it! You're down to your final year at Saint Mary's. I'm sure some of you are feeling a little scared and nervous about leaving Saint Mary's and finding a job or going to graduate school. Some of you are also probably pretty excited to join the "real world" and start a new lifestyle after college. Whatever your feelings, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself adjust to graduation and life after graduation.

Your goal as seniors should be:

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

Some activities that will help you realize this goal include:

• 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 (PD210).

Take advantage of these resources in finding a job. If you apply to graduate schools and look for a job now, you will have less to worry about later in the year. If you have any questions about anything feel free to call, e-mail, or stop into the office.

Junior- experiencing choices

Can you believe you're half done at Saint Mary's already? Where has the time gone? Have you been wondering what the next step is to finding a great job after graduation? Now that you have selected a major, it is important to try to gain some experience in the major area you have chosen.

Your goal as a junior should include the following:

Obtaining experience in your potential career choice; carrying out course selection in major.

To obtain this goal, consider these 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)

There are many great work study and volunteer opportunities on campus all year long. Do you need help finding an internship though? Or finding out about the tests required for graduate school? Feel free to stop by, call, or e-mail our office anytime to get help in these areas.

Sophomore - exploring careers

Can you believe it's September already? If you are a sophomore, you will soon be asked to declare a major. This will happen second semester of your sophomore year. It is a good idea to have your major selected prior to registration so you can start thinking about the classes you need to take junior year.

Your goal as a sophomore includes the following:

Explore and determine major choice and consider potential career options.

Our office encourages the following activities to help you move toward your goal:

• Participate in a field exploration experience.
• Utilize FOCUS, written and online 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 the Career Exploration (PD101) course.

Appointments are available if you would like to talk to someone about selecting a major. Are you undecided, feeling pressured to chose a major you are not sure about, or interested in the different jobs you can get with a certain major? Call or stop by to schedule an appointment.

Freshman - exploring self

To all the freshman readers - welcome to SMU. I hope you find your way to our office at some point durig this fall semester. Even if you don't have a reason, just stop by to say hi and pick up your copy of the "Career Development Timeline." The timeline is a one-page handout the helps you map out your career plan throughout the next four years.

Your goal as a freshman should include the following:

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

An example of activities you should consider this year include the following:

• 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 Keirsey Temperament Sorter and/or Self Directed Search self-assessment inventories.
• Use the online FOCUS Career Planning System.
• Enroll in the Career Exploration course (PD 101) that is offered the second 8 weeks of the semester.

For information on any of these activities, email, call or stop by our office. Enjoy your semester!