Four Year Plan

College to Career

 

Freshman Year

 

• Identify your skills and interests by completing the Focus 2 Assessment on the Career Development website and meet with the career coach to discuss your results.
• Explore the What Can I Do with this Major? that is posted on our website
• Talk to your faculty in your field of study to learn more about your major
• Join a student organization and volunteer in on- or off-campus activities
• Participate in Career Development events.
• Become familiar with campus resources such as the Student Success Center, Career Development, The Write Place, Math Resource Center, and the Language Lab that are available to you
• Contact the Office of Financial Aid for On-Campus (Work-Study) job opportunities
• Become familiar with the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) Core Competencies 

Advanced: Have your resume reviewed and/or activate your Handshake account

Sophomore Year

• Pursue active leadership roles in student organizations
• Use our services to learn about resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills
• Participate in Career Development events.
• Make an appointment with a Career Development Career Coach to review your resume
• Activate your profile and upload your professionally reviewed resume on Handshake
• Explore career occupations through faculty, the internet, publications or job shadowing a professional in your chosen field of interest
• Professionalize your social media to make sure content is appropriate and presentable
• Consider doing a Study Abroad Program
• Evaluate your experience using the NACE Core Competencies and identify room for improvement

Advanced: Attain specific career-related experience through shadowing, interning, or working with an organization in your preferred field

Junior Year

• Continue to update your resume with recent work experiences and activities
• Join a professional organization related to your major
• Schedule a mock interview with the Career Development Staff
• Complete an internship or a career-related part-time job
• Participate in Career Development events.
• Seek networking opportunities with local professionals in your field of interest
• Continue to build relationships and communicate professionally with faculty and staff
• Consider and apply for mentorship options such as the ULM Mentorship Program
• Contemplate how you currently implement the NACE Core Competencies in class, work, and interacting with professionals and peers

Advanced: Research Graduate School admissions process, if necessary, to reach your career goals

 

Senior Year

• Make sure all applications and necessary documents are turned in on time for graduation and graduate school
• Begin applying for full-time jobs at least 8-10 months before graduation
• Participate in Career Development events.
• Activate and update your Handshake account to expand your professional network. Create a LinkedIn account to grow your online presence and connect with professionals in your field
• Continue to update your resume with specific cover letters related to each job and company
• Identify professionals willing to serve as a reference and maintain your professional relationships with them
• Continue to identify full-time employment opportunities with faculty, Career Development, company websites, and your own personal network
• Schedule a mock interview with the Career Development staff
• Become a member of the ULM Alumni Association as a new alumna upon your graduation

Advanced: Demonstrate the applicable NACE Core Competencies to your chosen career. Mindfully display these requisite abilities on a daily basis.