First Year: Exploring

Less than 30 credit hours (Freshman year)

  • Check out the Career Services website and register for Handshake, our job and internship database
  • Visit the student resources section on the Career Services website to learn more about how to connect with us
  • Identify your interests, values, and skills—come talk with someone in Career Services or your Success Coach in University Student Support or Student Enrichment and Achievement
  • Develop a list of majors and careers to consider and review "What Can I Do With This Major"
  • Consider attending a Career Fair sponsored by Career Services to start connecting with employers and graduate schools

Additional Reminders

  • Work with your academic advisor to develop an initial academic plan; review your MyDegree report. If you are 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 or consider volunteering to gain skills and experience—learn about them 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.

Second Year: Making Connections

30 to 60 credit hours (Sophomore year)

  • Review the list from First Year and continue working on it
  • Continue learning through student activities/organizations, volunteer work or a part-time job
  • Begin planning for your degree related part-time job or internship
  • Learn about informational interviewing and consider using it as a tool to enhance your understanding about careers
  • Refine your list of possible majors and careers
  • Write a resume. Visit the Resource Toolbox for guidelines
  • Attend a Career Fair and other Employer and Career Events to start networking with employers and recruiters
  • Start honing your interview skills by attending Employer & Career Events. Meet with a Career Services team member to do a mock interview
  • Visit the Campus Calendar and Career Services regularly to stay abreast of what’s happening
  • Meet with professionals from Career Services, academic and faculty advisors, and success coaches regularly
  • 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

  • Print out and review your MyDegree report 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 the desired career, internships/ co-op 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

Third Year: Gaining Experience

Less than 90 credit hours (Junior Year)
  • Review list from first two years and continue working on it
  • Go to Handshake to start your internship and job search process
  • Participate in Employer and Career Events
  • Update your Handshake profile and resume to include new courses or work experiences you’ve gained and get a resume review from Career Services
  • Attend the Career Fairs to meet employers, practice your Elevator Pitch 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 and begin application process for graduate/professional schools

Fourth Year: Launching Your Career

90-120 credit hours (Senior Year)

  • Review list from previous years and continue working on it
  • Sign up for Handshake, 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
  • Visit the Resource Toolbox 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
  • Go to the Labor Market and Salary information tab at the bottom of the Resources Toolbox page 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 backup 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 and the lifelong benefits of being a Triton graduate