We encourage students in their fourth year at Ashland University to implement the experience they’ve gained, the strategies they’ve learned, the research they’ve performed and the benefits of the relationships they’ve established to prepare themselves for life after graduation.
At the start of your fourth year at Ashland University, you will look back on the experiences you’ve had and the knowledge you’ve gleaned from them. In doing so, you will realize that you are ready for whatever awaits you. All that’s left to do is take that first step—and only you can be the one to make it happen. Ease into this new beginning by taking the following actions:
- Request letters of recommendation from trusted faculty members.
- Visit the Career Center for Life Calling for help with perfecting your resume, cover letter and portfolio.
- Attend several career fairs! Ashland University hosts career fairs in the fall and spring, but there are plenty of others off-campus.
- Plan ahead by researching opportunities available to alumni and graduate students.
Before the excitement of graduation day takes root, make sure you’re ready for the day after. Even now, there are still plenty of strategies from our three tracks:
Career Track
- Utilize the resources available to you to expand upon your search for employment or graduate schools.
- Continue to build your professional network through LinkedIn and WISR. If you haven’t used WISR yet, find out more here.
- Meet with the Career Center for Life Calling for continued career support and guidance.
- Maintain consistent communication with your professional academic advisor to stay informed on new opportunities and events (including those that take place after graduation).
Calling Track
- Meet with your life calling coach for continued career support and guidance.
- Create a strategic job search plan that supports your goals for your life calling. Use this plan regularly.
- Consider taking Occupational Life Calling - Life Beyond College to develop tools to contribute to your personal and professional well-being after graduation.
- Select and attend events sponsored by the Career Center for Life Calling, the Office of Christian Ministry and other campus organizations.
Spiritual Formation Leadership Track
- Seek greater leadership opportunities within the Office of Christian Ministry.
- Continue the conversation that merges faith and career growth. Research avenues of discussion you hadn’t considered before.
- Continue to explore internship and employment opportunities that promote the integration of faith and your professional life.
- Continue your involvement with your worshiping community. If you haven’t selected one already, there are plenty of options through the Office of Christian Ministry.
- Continue your involvement with activities on campus and/or small, faith-based groups and Bible study groups.
