Career Services at Washburn University is an integral part of the networks between students/alumni and potential employers. Career Services does much more than help students and alumni find jobs. We provide comprehensive career services and extensive networking opportunities through workshops, seminars, and campus-wide career fairs.
Choosing and attaining a meaningful career requires active participation in all phases of the search as well as sincere commitment to self-reflection.
Download the 4-Year Plan Handout
Freshman – Sophomore – Junior – Senior
FRESHMAN: Goal – Exploring!
ACADEMICS
PERSONAL
- Self-Understanding
- Develop a support group of friends
- Take a personality assessment at Career Services
- Get Rec’d! Check out the SRWC
- Do values clarification exercises
- Explore individual counseling with University Counselors
- Identify major fears of college life
- Redefine family relationships
SOCIAL
CAREER
SOPHOMORE: Goal – Defining!
ACADEMICS
- Gain Specific Information
- Seek academic advice from professors and peers
- Grab lunch with one of your professors
- Establish a personal GPA goal
- Choose an academic major
- Develop a tentative academic plan
- Choose electives that match your needs/interests
- Explore Study Abroad
PERSONAL
SOCIAL
CAREER
- Collect More Information
- Read about Careers in the Library and online via FOCUS2 and O*Net
- Conduct an informational interview with someone in your area of interest
- Develop your short term goals for gaining experience and skills
- Look for a summer internship
- Volunteer to “shadow” a professional
- Talk with Specialists in Career Services about resumes and internships
- Attend career presentations and fairs to gather information and seek internships
- Create an account on BodJobs to start looking for jobs and internships
JUNIOR: Goal – Researching!
ACADEMICS
- Make Initial Choices
- Take mock GRE/MCAT or LSAT exams
- Focus on succeeding in major courses – seek tutoring with the Academic Success Center
- Relate academics to future life plans
- Attend departmental seminars/lectures that relate to your major
- Develop an academic mentor
- Consider research opportunities
- Seek out and apply for internships
PERSONAL
- Risk Personal Openness
- Seek out sources of support
- Help others with their problems
- Continue discussions with your mentor
- Test ideas through decision groups
- Disagree with an authority – but have a solid reason
SOCIAL
- Exercise New Skills
- Run for an elected office/get involved in WSGA
- Apply for Resident Assistant (RA) or peer advisor positions
- Become a Big Brother/Big Sister
- Volunteer through Campus Activities Board (CAB)
CAREER
- Increase Experience
- Find internships that interest you
- Make tentative career decisions
- Attend the career and graduate school fairs
- Stop by Career Services for a Resume Review and to discuss plans and goals
- Develop general awareness of many career options
- Familiarize yourself with work settings and job descriptions
- Have a Mock Interview with Career Services
SENIOR: Goal – Implementing!
ACADEMICS
PERSONAL
- Make Commitments
- Prepare for your chosen lifestyle
- Attend stress workshops
- Talk about your first year out of school
- Make a list of your firm decisions
- Write down three life long goals
SOCIAL
- Leadership
- Lead a group or club
- Supervise a few student projects
- Join a professional organization
- Tutor high school students
- Assist in facilitation of leadership conferences and workshops
CAREER
-
First Career Choice
- Attend presentations on: job searches and interviewing
- Attend career fairs and make connections with recruiters!
- Establish life goals
- Develop a contact list of references; use your network to develop leads
- Check job listings and apply for jobs/Apply to graduate programs
- Interview for jobs or grad/professional school admission
- Develop a budget for graduate school or life after school
