Career Success Guide

Career Readiness - Be Career Ready

BE CAREER READY BY GRADUATION Career readiness is a journey that might not be a linear path. Career Services is here to help you navigate each year at Stout to take the steps necessary to launch you into the next phase of life.

EXPERIENCE (SOPHOMORE/2ND YEAR)

Use this year to develop your leadership skills and find opportunities to enhance your resume. Employers look at more than just your degree, they value your skills. Experiences will provide you stories to share these skills in interviews and networking situations. • Take an active role in a student organization to develop your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. • Explore options for study abroad and investigate co-op or internship opportunities. • Attend career events to learn from employers what experiences are desired to make you more marketable. • Research companies that provide work in your area of interest. • Join LinkedIn to create a professional online presence. Action Items: • Participate in a job shadow event or conduct an informational interview with a professional in a career field of your interest. • Meet with your Program Director or other faculty member to discuss career options with your major. • Create your resume and meet with a Career Coach. • Attend Career Conference and try out your 30 second introduction. For help creating one, see page 32. • If Graduate School is in your future, think about your educational goals and begin researching colleges.

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INVESTIGATE (FRESHMAN/1ST YEAR)

Now is the time to reflect on your interests and goals and engage in career exploration. The earlier you understand these things the more intentional you can be in selecting your major/concentration/minor, getting involved on campus, and set the foundation for your college journey. • Utilize O*Net Online to explore and research careers. • Review the annual Co-op and Employment reports for salary and employment information on your major. • Join campus clubs/organizations related to your major or interests. Volunteer in the community or take an on campus job. • Explore the Career Success Guide and online resources to assess your career readiness skills (see page 8). Action Items: • Log in to Handshake, complete your profile, learn about opportunities and resources, and explore on campus jobs. • Complete the Personal Values and Career Direction worksheets activities on the previous pages of this guide. • Attend at least one Career Services event. • Meet your Career Coach in an individual meeting to discuss career options.

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