ACADEMIC

CAREER

PERSONAL/SOCIAL

FRESHMAN YEAR-IMAGINE

• Meet with your academic advisor and explore academic disciplines
• Sign up for introductory elective courses
• Consider taking a career planning course
• Talk with faculty and actively participate in class
• Study hard and maintain a solid GPA

• Make an appointment to meet and register with a CDC professional
• Explore resources/books and Occupational Outlook Handbook in the Career Resource Library
• Attend career-related seminars through the CDC
• Begin creating resume and seek a part-time or summer job/internship

• Join at least one of Ashland University’s student organizations
• Make time for friends and family
• Join a mentoring program
• Utilize self-assessment tools through Career Development Center or Counseling Services

SOPHMORE YEAR-INVESTIGATE

• Learn about career options for academic majors through the CDC, faculty and academic advisors
• Begin to solidify major
• Seek assistance developing an academic plan with your academic advisor according to degree requirements
• Maintain a solid GPA

• Begin to research possible internship opportunities
• Sign up for and participate in career programs related to resume and writing, interviewing and job searching through the CDC
• Continue to developing your resume
• Begin looking at summer/part-time employment related to your interests

• Join a professional organization related to your major
• Consider the benefits of studying abroad
• Review and reaffirm your values, interests, personality and abilities
• Participate in volunteer opportunities on campus or within community

JUNIOR YEAR- INTERACT

• Consider adding a minor or concentration to your academic plan
• Participate in an internship experience
• Meet with your academic advisor to make sure you are still on the right track to graduation
• Consider the possibilities of graduate or professional school
• Maintain solid GPA

• Research companies/work environment
• Interview professionals in field related to your area of interests
• Job shadow professionals in your field of interest
• Attend career programs sponsored by the CDC and other departments
• Revise resume
• Network with faculty, staff and employers
• Discuss career concerns with your CDC advisor as well as faculty

• Start exploring choices after graduation
• Develop a list of professional references
• Begin the application process for graduate school and graduate school entrance exams if applicable
• Continue practical experiences through activity, employment and community involvement

SENIOR YEAR- IMPLEMENT

• Meet with your academic advisor and confirm graduation status
• Fill out all necessary graduation documentation
• Fill out, request and send all necessary graduate school information , i.e., transcripts, financial aid, graduate assistant and scholarship applications
• Request letters of recommendation from any faculty members
• Maintain solid GPA

• Have your resume critiqued by a CDC staff member
• Attend Job Fairs and plan your job search strategy
• Participate in On-Campus interviews through the CDC
• Attend interviewing, resume and job search seminars
• Participate in a mock interview to gain competitive edge
• Research possible companies/ organizations/employment options
• Notify CDC of any job offers
• Construct portfolio, if applicable

• Join  state and national professional organizations
• Continue to assess personal and professional post-graduation goals
• Utilize all services available through AU and continue to stay involved
• Continue to establish and maintain relationships on campus and throughout the community