911������

Small steps today. Big opportunities tomorrow.

Career development is a journey, not a single destination. That's why we encourage students to begin building career-ready skills from their very first year on campus.

Our Four-Year Career Plan provides a roadmap to help students:

• Explore personal interests and strengths
• Connect majors to career opportunities
• Build a professional network
• Gain leadership and internship experience
• Prepare for graduate school or employment
• Transition confidently from college to career

By taking intentional steps each year, students graduate prepared to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

YEAR 1: In your first year

First Year: Discover Your Strengths and Explore Possibilities

Your first year is all about learning who you are, what interests you, and where your opportunities might lead.

1. Visit MyMarietta, find the links to PathwayU and Handshake. Use your 911������ email and password to access these platforms.
2. Complete the Self-Assessment form on PathwayU.
3. Become familiar with Handshake and learn how to make appointments with a career coach.
4. Create a virtual and/or physical business card. Less is more: only include your name, email, and phone number on the card.
5. Create a LinkedIn profile to start building your professional network.  Less is more.  We will help you to expand it later.
6. Start expanding your network by following the Milone Center for Academic and Career Success at 911������ on LinkedIn
7. Check out campus resources such as Handshake, digital and physical bulletin boards, and your email regularly for information on career development workshops, summer jobs, competitions, internships, and other opportunities. Make sure to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.
8. Practice your “elevator pitch” — how you introduce yourself in networking opportunities.
9. Consider joining a student organization or club that interests you. Employers value these activities.
10. Explore the many opportunities available to study abroad.
11. Schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake to discuss the following:
    1. Results of your Self-Assessment on PathwayU and your career goals,
    2. Your professional résumé
    3. Summer jobs and internships

YEAR 2: During your second year

Second Year: Build Skills and Gain Experience

Now it's time to turn exploration into action by developing professional skills and gaining real-world experience.

1. Update your Handshake and LinkedIn profiles and your business card.
2. Draft your first cover letter for a potential job or internship.
3. Check LinkedIn and campus resources such as Handshake, digital and physical bulletin boards, and your email regularly for information on career development workshops, summer jobs, competitions, internships, and other opportunities. Make sure to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.
4. Look into leadership opportunities within student organizations and clubs.
5. Practice your “elevator pitch” — how you introduce yourself for networking opportunities.
6. Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your career goals and seek their feedback.
7. Schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake to discuss:
   1. Your experiential learning requirements
   2. Your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles, résumé, business card, and cover letter
   3. Summer jobs and internship applications

YEAR 3: Throughout your third year

Third Year: Focus Your Direction

We're here to help you navigate questions about internships, networking, graduate school, professional branding, and job preparation.

1. Update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles, résumé, business card, and cover letter.
2. Conduct a mock interview with a professional in your field or with a career coach.
3. Check LinkedIn and campus resources for information on career development workshops, summer jobs, competitions, internships, and other opportunities.
4. Practice your “elevator pitch” — how you introduce yourself for networking opportunities.
5. Speak with your academic advisor and/or a career coach to evaluate the skills and experiences needed for your post-grad goals.
6. Prepare for graduate school entrance exams (if applying).
7. Schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake to receive assistance with your career-related questions and activities.
8. Look for a summer internship.

YEAR 4: Before you finish your fourth year

Fourth Year: Launch Your Future

Your final year is about bringing everything together and confidently taking the next step.

1. Polish your resume and cover letter and be ready to tailor them for each specific job opportunity.
2. Use the available tools, including Handshake and LinkedIn, to identify and apply for positions.
3. Check LinkedIn and campus resources for information on workshops, mock interviews, networking events, and job fairs to prepare for life after college. Make sure to take advantage of as many of these opportunities as possible.
4. Talk with your academic advisor about graduate school and confirm that all graduation requirements will be met.
5. Create a spreadsheet to keep track of the jobs and graduate school programs that interest you (complete with application requirements and deadlines).
6. Connect with professors, mentors, and alumni for guidance and job leads.
7. Take the graduate school entrance exams (if applying).
8. Use the schedule appointment function in Handshake to book interview rooms and borrow from the Career Closet to ensure you are ready for virtual and/or in-person interviews.
9. Schedule an appointment with a career coach on Handshake to receive assistance with your career-related questions and activities.