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Career Development Checklist

If you follow most or all of these steps, you’ll be well on your way to understanding what career you want and making it happen!

Additional Reminders:

  • Work with your academic advisor to develop an initial academic plan; review your academic progress on MyDegree
  • Considering a professional school after graduation (e.g., medical, veterinary, law) talk with your academic advisor and faculty ASAP so you can stay on target with courses and grades
  • Get involved with student organizations—learn about them through the Office of Student Involvement
  • Consider volunteering to gain skills and experience—learn about opportunities through the Office of Student Involvement
  • Meet general education requirements with introductory courses in your major/career areas of interest
  • If you are not earning a B or higher in your classes, talk with your faculty and academic advisor

Additional Reminders:

  • Print out and review your academic progress in MyDegree with your academic and faculty advisors to make sure you’re on track
  • Talk to key faculty and advisors about pre-professional programs (e.g., pre-law, pre-medical, pre-vet) and find out about taking practice entrance tests (e.g., GMAT, LSAT, MCAT)
  • Understand how your GPA can impact transitioning from college academics to your desired career, internships eligibility and admission to graduate/professional school
  • Take leadership roles in your student organizations and volunteer experiences
  • Start and build professional relationships with professors and other campus individuals
  • Review list from first two years and continue working on it
  • Go to TritonCareers to start your internship and job search process
  • Participate in Employer and Career Events
  • Update your TritonCareers profile and resume to include new courses or work experiences you’ve gained and get a resume critique from Career Services
  • Attend the Career Fairs to meet employers, practice your 30 second introduction, and continue to network and learn about companies
  • Research jobs of interest to you and identify companies that you’re interested in working for; create a back-up plan. Plans and goals may change, have a plan that is flexible and has options for alternative careers
  • Begin thinking about who could write recommendation letters and start asking for references
  • Evaluate your progress in courses throughout the semester and seek help if you’re struggling
  • Learn about a variety of careers and remain flexible and open to other options

Additional Reminders:

  • Study for and take the GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT or any other admissions test required for your career path
  • Meet with your academic advisor and faculty advisor to ensure you’re on track for graduation
  • Apply for graduation a least two semesters before your expected graduation date
  • Research & begin application process for graduate/professional schools
  • Review list from previous years and continue working on it
  • Sign up for TritonCareers, our job and internship database (if you haven’t already)
  • Update and polish your resume; have it reviewed by Career Services
  • Learn how to write winning cover letters by visiting Job Search Tips
  • Visit Students for help with all your job search activities
  • Develop your job search plan and be diligent about following through; start the job search process 3-6 months before graduation
  • Attend Career Fairs to support your job search process
  • Apply for graduate or professional school, if that’s part of your plan
  • Get your professional wardrobe started with the most important piece; the interview suit
  • Click on the Labor Market & Salary Information tab here for guidance on your chosen career
  • Evaluate your progress in courses throughout the semester and seek help if you’re struggling
  • Think again about a back-up plan and remain flexible and open to options about careers

Additional Reminders:

  • Check with your academic advisor and faculty advisor to confirm graduation
  • Post-Graduation: Stay in touch-Career Services assistance is available for 2 years post-graduation; learn about the Alumni Association

Printable PDF Version

CAREER SERVICES
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS
278 Millennium Student Center | 314-516-5111
careerservices@umsl.edu |careers.umsl.edu