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Four-Year Career Plan

With every academic major and minor, there is a checklist or "blueprint" on how to be successful in that career path. However, most students do not think about their career plan or a road map that will help with maintaining their career readiness and update those skills every year. Students who utilize our Four-Year and Transfer Career Plans are provided with a complete lineup of when they need to complete a piece of their road map.

Below are the steps you can take each year to lead you on a successful path.

  • Continue to meet regularly with your general academic advisor if you are undeclared. If you declare a major, meet with your new departmental advisor
  • Visit Career Exploration and take additional self-assessments and explore majors and careers if you are undeclared
  • Schedule an appointment with your career coach via Handshake to develop your collegiate resume and discuss internship opportunities
  • Utilize Handshake to research internships
  • Create a LinkedIn profile and network with students, alumni, and professionals with similar professional interests
  • Complete informational interviews and job shadowing with professionals in your field of interest
  • Pursue summer volunteer, work, and internship opportunities
  • Attend Career Development Center career fairs and events to learn about different fields and apply for jobs and/or internships
  • Explore student research opportunities once you declare your major
  • Schedule an appointment with your career coach via Handshake to update/refine your resume and for internship application assistance
  • Build and develop your professional portfolio via A-portfolio
  • Utilize the internships page for resources in finding and applying for internships
  • Seek research opportunities with the Office of Student Research
  • Take on leadership roles within clubs and organizations and join regional or national professional organizations
  • Attend Career Development Center workshops, events, and career fairs
  • Determine if graduate or professional school would be beneficial to your long term goals
  • Practice your elevator speech
  • Develop professional networking skills and wardrobe
  • Update your LinkedIn profile to enhance your professional image and connect with employers, colleagues, campus/community leaders, and mentors
  • Apply for Financial Aid and track your current total student loan debt
  • Schedule an appointment with your career coach via Handshake to discuss your post-graduation plans
  • Update your resume to include professional organizations, internship, volunteer, leadership, and work experiences
  • Complete a practice interview through Big Interview or in person with employers and/or career coaches
  • Attend Career Development Center information sessions, workshops, and career fairs
  • Research company and organization information for your field via Handshake and O*Net Online
  • Attend an Appalachian State, regional, or national professional organization workshop and/or conference
  • Present and/or publish student research
  • Utilize Handshake to sign up for on-campus interviews, search for jobs, and learn about employers
  • Follow up with employers/interviewers and always send a thank you letter for their time and consideration
  • Identify a list of references or professional contacts
  • Take a graduate school admissions tests, write a personal statement, and complete applications (if applicable)
  • Complete Financial Awareness Counseling and Exit Counseling

For Transfer Students

  • Schedule an appointment with your career coach via Handshake to review your resume and discuss your job/internship search strategy and post-graduation plans
  • Build and develop your professional portfolio via A-portfolio
  • Utilize resources in finding and applying for internships and research opportunities
  • Take on leadership roles within clubs and organizations and join regional or national professional organizations
  • Determine if graduate or professional school would be beneficial to your long term goals
  • Apply for jobs and post-graduate fellowships and programs during your senior year; be mindful of application deadlines
  • Attend Career Development Center workshops, events, and career fairs
  • Practice your elevator speech
  • Develop professional networking skills and wardrobe
  • Update your LinkedIn profile to enhance your professional image and connect with employers, colleagues, campus/community leaders, and mentors
  • Complete a practice interview through Big Interview or in person with employers and/or career coaches
  • Attend an Appalachian State, regional, or national professional organization workshop and/or conference
  • Engage in student research
  • Utilize Handshake to sign up for on-campus interviews, search for jobs, and learn about employers
  • Follow up with employers/interviewers and always send a thank you letter for their time and consideration
  • Identify a list of references or professional contacts
  • Take a graduate school admissions tests, write a personal statement, and complete applications (if applicable)