University to Career Roadmap
Some begin college certain of their career path. Many others take a more indirect route. If you're in that group, don't worry; your first year or so of college is a great chance to explore the many opportunities available through Central Methodist University.
Freshman Year
Keep in mind that you do not need to make a career choice by the end of your freshman year. Use this time to learn about yourself and the campus.
Discover
- Academic majors
- Your interests
- Skills you have
- Skills you'd like to develop
- Resources at the Career Development Center
Get Settled
- Adjust to college life
- Participate in extra-curricular activities both social and professional
- Become familiar with CMU support services such as; the Learning and Teaching Center, Counseling Services, Student Health Clinic, etc.
- Obtain on/off-campus part time employment by being active in Handshake
Go
- Establish a strong GPA
- Attend the new student mix and mingle event
- Investigate O-Net and Focus 2
- Utilize Handshake
Sophomore Year
Now is the time to 'try on' different careers. Explore options, and interests; develop skills and talk with professionals.
Continue to
- Explore different careers using the Career Resource Library & electronic resources
- Involve yourself in student & professional organizations
- Enroll in courses to further explore possible majors and careers
- Review internship postings on Handshake
- Maintain a strong GPA
Participate in
- Career workshops
- Informational interviewing
- Resume writing assistance at the Center
- A job shadow with a professional in a career of interest
- An internship search
- CMU Career EXPO to begin networking
Select
- A Major
- A Faculty Mentor
- A Summer Internship
- An Alumni Mentor
Junior Year
Don't worry if you decide to change direction during different stages of your journey or revisit previous steps.
Attend
- Career workshops and upcoming events
- Workshops on graduate school and graduate exam practice tests, if applicable
- Informational Sessions
- CMU Career EXPO, searching for a summer internship
- Take advantage of Handshake
Continue to
- Relate chosen major to specific career fields
- Conduct informational interviews and mock interviews to hone your skills
- Network with professionals and alumni through LinkedIn and Career EXPOs
- Take on leadership roles in campus organizations
- Choose elective courses to enhance and strengthen your qualifications
- Investigate graduate school programs, if applicable
- Utilize the Career Development Center's online resources and resource library
- Participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities
- Maintain a strong GPA
Expand by
- Scheduling a Mock Interview
- Researching jobs and organizations matching your interests
- Joining professional organizations related to your career interests
Senior Year
Remember that life is a journey. Use the career development skills you have learned as you continue on your lifelong career path. The services of the Career Development Center are always available to CMU Alumni.
Update
- Your wardrobe to include interview-appropriate attire, for ideas check our Pinterest Boards.
- Your resume, cover letter and reference page and upload materials to Handshake
- Your job search plan by making an appointment with Nicolette Yevich in the Career Development Center
Attend
- The Senior Fair
- The 'Power Lunch' Series of career workshops
- The Etiquette Dinner
- On-campus interviews and Career Fairs (CMU Career EXPO and fairs at other institutions)
Activate
- Your job search by using your network, targeting prospective employers, and utilizing career resources
- The application process if pursuing graduate or professional schools
Prioritize
- Participate in campus activities and professional organizations
- Take time every week to work on job/graduate school search, very important!!!
- Check with the Registrar to make sure you meet graduation requirements
- Complete the First Destination Survey before leaving campus in May!