Explore
Prepare
Experience
Achieve
 

EXPLORE

[  ]  Find career communities of interest to you and schedule an appointment with a career advisor to assist as you begin exploring careers options.
[  ]  Consider taking an assessment if you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed about your interests, abilities and how those relate to majors and/or careers.
[  ]  Conduct informational interviews to talk with professionals working in fields of interest to you. 
[  ]  Begin researching careers using resources within career community pages of interest to you.
[  ]  Register for a Career Center Class to assist.  Consider Major and Career Exploration or Career Leadership Academy.

PREPARE

[  ] Write or update your resume and have it reviewed during walk-in advising.
[  ] When needed, prepare cover letters or other required documents.  These can also be reviewed during walk-in advising.
[  ] When ready, upload your resume into the Handshake site so you can begin applying for student employment or internship positions.
[  ] Create or update your LinkedIn profile and clean up all social media accounts. 
[  ] Learn to network and prepare your introduction to new contacts and potential employers.
[  ] Prepare and practice for interviews by using Big Interview. Schedule a mock interview before the real deal.
[  ] If interested in graduate or professional school, review resources to help you research programs and manage applications.
[  ] Schedule an appointment with a career advisor for additional assistance and resources.
 

EXPERIENCE

[  ] Work part-time on or near campus.
[  ] Get involved in student organizations of interest.  Consider clubs that relate to your career interests. 
[  ] Volunteer in the community.
[  ] Develop your leadership skills and take advantage of Be Better @ Iowa.
[  ] Find and complete one or more internships. 
[  ] Consider studying abroad or working, interning or volunteering abroad.
[  ] Schedule an appointment with a career advisor for additional assistance and resources.

ACHIEVE

[  ] Use Handshake and Career Fairs to begin your job search.  Start 6-9 months before you graduate to maximize success.
[  ] Use additional job and internship links using Job Search section of our website.  More links are provided within your desired career community page.
[  ] Research employers using:  Research Basics, specific Career Community resources and Resources for Diverse populations within Job Search section of our website.
[  ] Evaluate job offers and learn more about negotiation before accepting an offer. 
[  ] Apply to graduate or professional school if that is your desired next step.  Consider Gap Year Opportunities if you need more time or experience before applying.
[  ] Schedule an appointment with a career advisor for additional resources and help with your job search strategy, timeline and resources.