Dominican University Parent Guide

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4-Year Career Development Plan

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Whether you’re a Freshman or Senior, it’s never too early to start planning your career. Career Development can assist you at any stage of your career planning!

The following guide will help you establish a time frame for developing your career plans & help you manage the very important task of choosing a career.

Freshman Year

Adjusting to College Work and Life

  • Visit Career Development in Parmer LL 010 or online
  • Meet with a Career Advisor; get familiar with the services we offer
  • Familiarize yourself with eRecruiting and complete your online profile
  • Join the Career Development Fan Page on Facebook & follow DUCareers on Twitter
  • Get involved in campus activities and clubs
  • Practice speaking up in class, become a leader in discussions
  • Participate in Career Development workshops and events
  • Begin building your resume using Career Development resources
  • Do well in classes—keep your GPA strong
  • Have fun getting to know Dominican University!

Sophomore Year

Selecting a Major

  • Begin self-assessment process; gather information about your skills, interests, values, & personality
  • Use FOCUS, a career guidance computer system in Career Development
  • Read up on fields of interest in the Career Development library
  • Get involved in Service Learning or participate in volunteer experiences
  • Take some core courses and electives to become familiar with a variety of fields.
  • Take on leadership roles in clubs, activities
  • Add any new experiences to your resume
  • Select your majors Expo
  • Do well in classes—keep your GPA strong
  • Get a summer job in your career field

Junior Year

Establishing Your Career Goals

  • Revise your resume, develop a cover letter and have both critiqued by a Career Advisor
  • Get a career-related Internship; listings available through Career Development
  • Search LinkedIn alumni groups for mentors
  • Seek out leadership opportunities in campus or community organizations
  • Continue to gather specific information about career options through online research and networking
  • Research graduate/professional schools; learn what it takes to apply

Senior Year

Implementing Your Goals

  • Meet with a Career Advisor to develop a job search plan
  • Develop a strong working resume and plan your job search campaign. Begin interviewing early. Don’t wait until May
  • Update your LinkIn profile & start professional networking early
  • Attend Resume, Interviewing and Job Search workshops
  • Attend the Fall & Spring Job Fairs, at Dominican and other universities
  • Participate in the Etiquette Dinner
  • Research professional associations and join while you can still get the student rate
  • Apply to Graduate/Professional school
  • Evaluate job offers and report acceptance to Career Development
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