Career Development 4 Year Plan

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

• Explore the University
• Read the General Catalog
• See your Academic Advisor
• Meet professors and staff
• Attend workshops on: study skills, test taking, time management
• Explore General Education program requirements
• Enroll in College Experience Course, IS 100
• Explore University Honors Program
• Explore the Leadership Institute programs

PERSONAL

• Self-Understanding
• Develop a support group of friends
• Take a personality test in Career Counseling
• 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

• Intimate Relationships
• Join Residence Halls Association (RHA)
• Get-a-life!  Visit Student Activities & Greek Life to get involved
• Become involved in a campus organization
• Make summer travel plans
• Nurture hobbies
• Develop a peer group
• Volunteer – Check out LINC

CAREER

• Explore Career Areas
• Attend a career workshop – Career Counseling or Career Services
• Join the Career Services Facebook FanPage to get updates on all events!
• Talk with parents, friends, advisors, professors, career counselors
• Do career testing through volunteering
• Use computer career guidance software in Career Services
• Attend Activities and Majors Fair
• Identify your transferable skills and abilities
• Develop career related hobbies

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 a major
• Develop a tentative academic plan
• Choose electives that match your needs/interests
• Explore the Study Abroad Plan

PERSONAL

• Explore New Roles
• Learn about cultural diversity – check out the MAO!
• Find out about international events – check out International House
• Find a mentor who can offer support
• Explore individual counseling

SOCIAL

• Increase Involvement
• Become actively involved in a club/organization
• Volunteer on student committees
• Volunteer in the community
• Join Intramural Teams at the SRWC
• Attend University-wide events, lectures, and performances

CAREER

• Collect More Information
• Read about Careers in the Library
• Conduct an informational interview with someone in your area
• Develop your short term goals
• Look for a summer internship
• Volunteer to “shadow” a professional
• Talk with Specialists in Career Services
• Attend career presentations and fairs
• Create an account on BodJobs to start looking for jobs

JUNIOR:                        Goal – Researching!

ACADEMICS

• Make Initial Choices
• Take Mock GRE/MCAT or LSAT exams
• Focus on succeeding in major courses – get tutoring with EOP
• Relate academics to future life plans
• Attend departmental seminars/lectures that relate to your major
• Develop an academic mentor
• Consider research opportunities
• Look into 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 fair
• Stop-by Career Services for a Resume Review
• 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

• Long-Term Decisions
• Prepare graduate school applications
• Apply for awards
• Present projects at scholarly meetings
• Complete your WTE!
• Become a tutor
• Request a senior progress check from Office of Registrar
• Develop an independent study that is meaningful to you

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, interviewing, etc.
• Attend Career Fairs and make connections with recruiters!
• Establish life goals
• Develop a contact list of references
• Check job listings
• Interview for jobs
• Develop a budget for graduate school or life after school