4-Year Career Compass

Deciding on the right major.
Choosing the best career.
Landing the job of your dreams.

 

All this takes exploration, discovery, experience and presentation. The GSU Office of Career Services is available to serve as your guide through a process that will lead you to success – from defining your career goals to getting the job you want. 
 
GSU’s 4-year Career Compass takes you step-by-step to
graduation and employment. Jump on at the beginning and
follow the steps each year of your education. You can
also enter the process at any time.

The Office of Career Services is ready to help you get
to where you want to go.  
 

  • Freshman Year: EXPLORATION

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    _ Set up an appointment with a career counselor to discuss your career plans.


    _      Identify interests, skills, work values and personality preferences – key factors in the career decision making process – by taking career assessments and utilizing the online career cruising system.


    _      Explore the What Can I Do With This Major? resource posted on the Office of Career Services website.


    _      Pursue summer jobs or volunteer opportunities related to your interests. Develop a good work ethic!


    _      Develop good study practices and keep your grades up. Employers want candidates with high academic achievements.


    _  Attend relevant Career Services workshops such as: 

     • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
     • Strong Interest Inventory
     • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
     • Work Values 

     

    Printable version of the flyer  

  • Sophomore Year: DISCOVERY

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    _ Schedule an appointment with a career counselor to discuss connections between your major and the world of work. Begin to develop your resume.


    _      If you are having difficulty deciding on a major, register for the Career  exploration class offered at GSU.


    _      Assess your interests, skills and values. Several self-assessment tools are available.


    _      Volunteer, work on-campus or become involved in student organizations that will contribute to your hands-on experience.


    _      Join professional associations related to your intended career field.


    _      Consider attending internship/career fairs to begin networking with employers and exploring potential internship options.


    _      Conduct informational interviews with those in a career of interest.


    _  Research career resources including:

      • Career Cruising
     • What Can I Do With This Major?
     • Occupational Outlook Handbook
     • O*NET
     • Career Insider/Vault

    Printable version of the flyer

  • Junior Year: EXPERIENCE

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    _  Set up an appointment with a career counselor for a resume review, mock interview and to discuss career plans and goals.

    _   Gain professional experience through on-campus employment, part-time jobs and internships. 
     

    _   Volunteer, get involved in community service activities or become involved in student organizations that will contribute to your hands-on experience.

    _   Attend an internship and career fair to network with employers and explore potential internship options.

    _   Continue to build a professional network by joining professional associations.

    _   Find job shadowing or informational interviewing opportunities that will allow you to further explore your interests.

    _   Create a portfolio of your work and accomplishments.

    _   Attend relevant Career Services workshops such as:

     • How to Find an Internship
     • Resume and Cover Letters
     • Job Search Strategies
     • Standing Out in an Interview
         • Etiquette “Dining Tutorial” Luncheon

    _   If you are considering graduate school, identify and write to graduate schools for applications, program details and fellowship/assistantship information.

    _   Plan to register early for graduate school entrance exams. Consider taking admission prep courses or tests to prepare for the exam.

     

    Printable version of the flyer  

     

  • Senior Year: PRESENTATION

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    _Set up an appointment with a career counselor to develop a job search strategy.


    _    Attend relevant Career Services workshops such as:

    • Resume and Cover Letters
     • Job Search Strategies
     • Standing Out in an Interview
     • Etiquette “Dining Tutorial” Luncheon
         • Professional Image Makeover Conference

     _Post your resume on Experience to market your skills and achievements to employers.

     _Tailor your resume and cover letter to each position for which you apply.

     _Remember, it is important to send thank you notes to employers with whom you interview and to your references.

    _Attend career fairs and use your personal network to identify opportunities.

    _Participate in a mock interview to polish your interviewing skills.

    _Begin to build a strong online presence by developing a LinkedIn profile.

    _Research market trends and salary expectations for your industry and career

    of interest.

    _Identify at least three people (employers and professors) who are willing to serve as references and write letters of recommendation. You may want to establish a credential file with Interfolio to store and distribute your letters of reference and transcripts.

    _If interested in graduate school, choose which programs you are applying to and send applications in early.

     Graduation: SUCCESS 

     

     Printable version of the flyer

  • Graduate Studies

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    Welcome