Career Planning

Launching Your Career!

1.)  Identify your interests, passions, talents, skills, abilities, and values

• Do you want to work with people, computers, ideas? How important is salary, geographic location, and the size of the organization?
• Identify your transferable skills. Review each syllabus's learning objectives and think about ways you can bring those new skills into your career.
• Take the Myers-Briggs (personality type indicator) and/or the Strong Interest Inventory (identify, clarify and expand possible career options). 

• What are jobs that interest you and you are suited to do? What are some of the different job titles in the major you are studying? See the "What Can I Do With This Major...?" link on the Resources page.
• What type of educational background and/or job skills will you need to pursue this field?
• Utilize the career assessment tools and the SIGI 3 program, which will help you explore career fields based on your natural talents and interests.
• Job shadow and conduct an informational interview to gather information and network.
• Connect with a mentor through the CIW Alumni Mentor Programand explore occupations that appeal to your personal interests, values, and skill set.
• Check out the NACE Salary Calculator and Compensation Data Center

3.) Research companies, organizations, and industries

• Find out what organizations have jobs that interest you. Where are the employers located? What type of qualities, skills and experiences are they looking for in an intern/employee?
• Research top growing companies through the Inc. 5000 website (Search "The List" and filter by industry, location, etc.).
• Make a list of employers that you are interested in interning with or working for in the future.
• Seek feedback on your résumé or recommendations on your job search from professionals in specific career fields through the GAMP network.

4.) Prepare a résumé, cover letter, and list of references

• Draft a résumé and cover letter that reflect your skills, abilities, education, and work experience that will be of interest to your targeted list of employers.
• Individual appointments, resources, materials, and workshops are available in the Career Center to assist you with your professional preparation.

5.) Utilize a account

• Set up your account t.
• Search for jobs and internships within your major and preferred geographic location.
• Create an online portfolio: upload your resume, cover letter, and scan in your letters of recommendation. Then, apply for internships and jobs posted on CIW.

6.) Network with faculty, alumni and colleagues to find opportunities

• Build relationships, collect information and ideas, and gain perspective on various professions and careers.
• Use the network to access the "hidden job market" and discover jobs that are available but not advertised.

7.) Gain relevant experience

• Complete an internship during the academic year or summer. All students are encouraged to complete at least two during their college career. Applying for an internship is just like applying for a job: you will need a quality résumé, cover letter, list of references, and interview preparation. Visit the Career Center to prepare yourself for internships and to locate relevant internships.
• Job shadowing is also an excellent route to explore a variety of work settings within a limited time frame.
• Become involved with service work, community involvement, and volunteering.
• Join industry associations relevant to your career field and offer to take on projects with the opportunity arises.
• Highlight your academic project work on your résumé (using key words from the job description), as it often directly relates to the work you will do in a future career.

8.)  Prepare ahead of time and practice for interviews

• Schedule an interview preparation appointment to practice and hone your interviewing skills.
• Sign up to attend an on-campus interview or recruitment session with a desired employer.
• Send a thank you note (hand written) immediately after contact or an interview with an employer.