Four Year Career Plan

Who are you and what do you like to do?

• Try out classes that you like and find interesting
• Improve interpersonal skills by meeting new people
• Talk to students and professors in different majors to discuss career choices and find out what it’s really about
• Get involved in SPU activities and the community
• Drop in or schedule an appointment in the Career Center (x2485) if you need help deciding on a major
• Write down what you want to get out of your college experience and develop short and long-range goals
• Take GS2001: Career Exploration and Planning
• Develop initial resume and update regularly

Summer Vacation
• Get a job or internship (“adventure” job is best this summer – do something that interests you!)
• Learn to work with others
• Gain experience through work, internship, camp counselor, travel, etc

Explore Options

• Continue and/or expand involvement in campus and community activities
• Talk with people who are doing things you find interesting to discover more about majors and careers
• Conduct research on areas of interest on the web – see www.spu.edu/depts/cdc for a place to start
• Research specific career options on WOIS (see CDC website under “career testing” for details)
• Take assessments in the Career Center to gain a better understanding of your unique gifts and interests
• Participate in interesting internships, volunteer projects and independent studies
• Take GS2001: Career Exploration and Planning

Summer Vacation
• Get a job or internship
• Develop interpersonal skills and a good work ethic

Evaluating Options

• Apply for admission to a major (and minor if needed)
• Seek leadership positions in campus organizations and/or volunteer services
• Focus on several career possibilities in-depth
• Find opportunities in e-Recruiting and other internship sources - apply to several that interest you
• Participate in an internship and/or volunteer with groups and organizations related to your area of interest
• Attend internship/job fairs on the SPU campus and other local universities
• Visit the events page to view upcoming fairs and career events
• Attend Resume & Cover Letter Workshop; have your resume reviewed by career counselor
• Explore graduate school options and requirements if interested
• Identify people in careers that interest you and conduct informational interviews - contact CDC for help
• Get together with alumni in your field of interest
• Take GS3001: Career and Life Planning: Transitioning from SPU (Offered Spring quarter)

Summer Vacation
• Get a job or internship in chosen field to test career decision

Making Decisions

• Begin the job search – meet with a career counselor to refine your resume
• Get tips on interviewing and how to start the job search process
• Continue exploring graduate school programs and options - Apply to schools
• Take necessary exams for graduate school (GRE, LSAT, etc.)
• Continue conducting informational interviews early in your senior year
• Take GS3001: Career and Life Planning: Transitioning from SPU (Offered Spring quarter)
• Meet more alumni in your field of interest
• Schedule a mock interview with Career Development Center to practice interviewing
• Sign up for on campus interviews
• Participate in job fairs on the SPU campus and other local universities
• Check out job opportunities and research specific companies that interest you
• Attend Career Development Center programs (alumni networking nights, business etiquette dinners, internship fair, etc.)
• Remember that 80% of jobs are found through people you know!

Climb to Your Career in Four Years!

For additional ideas and resources check out Jobweb's 4-year career Plan.