Sophomore Year: Expand Your Career Horizons

“I know my major, but what can I do with it?” “What career options do I have with my major?” “What’s out there?” “What can I do with a liberal arts degree?”

Continue to explore and gather information about career fields. The best resources are people who work in the career fields that interest you. Summer jobs, internships and volunteer activities will provide first-hand insights.

• Continue to expand your knowledge of career options. Make a list of the ones which sound interesting.
• Learn more about the job market by browsing through the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Research other materials at the Career Center Library and on the Internet.
• Conduct informational interviews with people who work in career fields of interest to you. Spend a day on the job with a professional.
• Pursue internships, part-time and summer jobs and volunteer activities to gain work experience and to learn more about your work preferences.
• Attend career fairs and other career-related programs to increase your knowledge of the full range of jobs that people perform.

Junior Year: Narrow Down the Options

“I’m looking at several career options -- which is the best for me?” “What do I need to do to prepare for this career?” “How have my interests changed since my freshman year, and how will this influence my present actions?

Internships and summer employment will help you acquire new skills, learn more about careers and develop a network of contacts. Aim for outstanding academic performance, especially in your major. Now’s the time to go back and once again ask and answer the questions “Who am I?” and “What do I want?”

• Narrow down your choices and discuss your career ideas with a career counselor. Are you satisfied with your early decisions?
• Start preparing for graduate school if your career choice requires an advanced degree. Check admission requirements, testing dates and timelines for applications.
• Research companies and work environments. Pinpoint organizations with job titles that use your skills and for which you believe you are a good match.
• Begin to establish professional contacts to assist with your job search campaign.
• Continue to gain career-related work and leadership experience.

Senior Year: Make a Career Decision

“What types of jobs are available?” “How do I find the job that’s right for me?” “Should I go to graduate school now or later?”

Plan ahead and set reasonable career goals for yourself. By now you are facing a transition from college to graduate school or a career position. Graduate school applications, letters of reference and test scores must be submitted early. eRecruiting job listings and career fairs will help you identify prospective employers and career positions.

• Discover the ABC’s of a successful job search by attending workshops at the Career Center. Consult with a career counselor.
• Prepare for your first job. Talk with UNCA alumni about their first year on the job and some of the challenges you can expect.
• Use your contacts to identify job opportunities and get referrals.
• Explore all opportunities. Attend career fairs and employer presentations. Check eRecruiting job listings. 
• Confirm your remaining degree requirements at the beginning of the year so there are no “surprises” when it comes time to graduate.

CAREER PLANNING RESOURCES FOR PARENTS-- JobWeb provides valuable career resources and articles for parents about the career planning process.