Career Services Four-year Plan

Use this plan as a checklist or a general guideline for mapping out your professional path:

First-Year: Exploration

Create a College Central Network account to register with Career Services (www.emu.edu/careers)
“Like” the Career Services Facebook page and follow @RecruitARoyal on Twitter for important news & updates
Create a LinkedIn profile, build your professional network, join Recruit a Royal, EMU’s Alumni Association, and other groups related to your field
Explore assessment and career exploration resources within CCN and with Career Services staff
Participate in Career Services Events including Mission & Service Day and Career & Service Day
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the process of choosing a major or your fit with your chosen major
Consider registering for courses that allow you to explore a variety of academic areas
Take an active role within a campus group to develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Your GPA will likely be a factor in securing internships and full-time jobs – develop good study habits now
Explore work-study or on/off campus part-time job options
Consider internships you would like to pursue after your sophomore year
Get to know your professors outside of class
To explore typical career options for different majors, use What Can I Do With This Major?

Utilize CCN to create a résumé and cover letter and have them reviewed by Career Services
Update your LinkedIn profile and gather examples of work for your professional portfolio within LinkedIn
Participate in Career Services Events including Mission & Service Day and Career & Service Day
Develop universal career-related skills (computer, accounting, writing, public speaking, leadership, second language, etc.)
Explore career interests through informational interviewing, job shadowing, or volunteer work
Conduct research and solicit information from professors, juniors and seniors, and other professionals to finalize your decision on a major
Use the CCN jobs board to research summer job and internship opportunities within your field that test your major and career choices
Complete your first internship this summer or next fall if it works with your major

Update your résumé within CCN and have it reviewed by Career Services
Update your LinkedIn profile and gather examples of work for your professional portfolio within Linked In
Talk to professionals in your field to find out about their careers and to research your potential career paths
Participate in Career Services Events including Graduate & Professional School Fair, Mission & Service Day and Career & Service Day
Check your academic coursework and major requirements with your advisor and maintain a strong GPA
Seek positions of leadership in campus organizations and/or voluntary service
Explore the option of attending graduate or professional school (research schools and financial aid, prepare for admission tests)
Do your second internship this summer or next academic year

Utilize CCN to research companies of interest, track job search campaigns, customize résumé and cover letters for specific applications, practice interviewing skills, write thank you letters, etc.
Update your LinkedIn profile, utilize the job seeker functions and your network to acquire job leads and interviews, check Recruit a Royal and EMU Alumni Association groups regularly for job and networking opportunities
Participate in Career Services Events including Graduate & Professional School Fair, Mission & Service Day, Career & Service Day, and the Senior Etiquette Meal
Attend area career fairs
Ask professors and supervisors to serve as references
Plan a post-graduation internship to gain further skills and a potential job
If graduate school is in your immediate future, take graduate admission tests and complete applications to meet deadlines (generally in the fall)
Congratulate yourself as you receive your diploma and pursue the next steps in your career journey!