During Your Senior Year
Congratulations on your accomplishments thus far! Students at this stage are focusing on transitioning to the next stage in their lives, whether it is a professional position or graduate/professional school.
lf you are considering changing your major or need help in determining your career path start with resources specially designed for this stage of career development.
A checklist for seniors
- Explore what you can do with your major, if you haven’t already.
- Continue to gain value transferable skills through career-related experiences such as internships, part-time or summer employment, volunteer activities, service learning and international opportunities.
- Develop a job search plan [.pdf] and meet with a career counselor for help.
- Plan on attending graduate or professional school? By late fall your personal statement and application materials should be completed. Start early!
- Perfect your job search materials including a résumé and cover letter.
- Buy professional attire and prepare for the job interview.
- Apply for jobs using GoldPass and other online employment resources.
- Enroll in ID 3201—Career Planning or CFAN 4201—Strategic Career Planning. These courses will help you explore careers and address strategic resume writing, networking, and interviewing.
- Begin building a career network and develop a list of references.
- Join and become involved in professional associations and organizations in your field.
- Attend the U of M Internship and Job Fair and other career fairs to meet potential employers.
- Received an employment offer? Learn how to negotiate salary.
See also
View resources by other stages in the process:
- Know yourself
- Understanding the world of work
- Experiential learning: Try-on careers
- Preparing for your future: The job search
You may also view resources by your year in college:
April 2007