First Year: Self Awareness and Assessment 

• Visit the Career Development website and Office of Career Development. 
• Visit the Office of Career Development to complete the iStartStrong Inventory if uncertain about academic and/or career areas of interest. 
• Develop relationships with professors, advisors, and career development staff. Turn them into mentors by asking about their career paths and for advice about matching your interests and skills to a major and a career. 
• Develop your resume by using OptimalResume. 
• Register on College Central Network and upload your resume to find internships, part-time and full-time employment. 
• Use the O*Net website to explore occupations related to your major. 
• Talk with upper level students about their majors and career-related experiences and goals. 
• Attend Career Development programs, seminars and employment fairs. 
• Explore membership in clubs, organizations and other extracurricular activities to develop your “transferable skills.” Participate in Project 701, musical/theater performances, exhibits and other cultural events. 
• Investigate and consider applying to The McMaster School for Advancing Humanity. 
• Participate in events and programs related to your major. 
• While adjusting to your new environment, take advantage of campus resources that can help you improve your study skills and time management. 

Second Year: Career Exploration and Continue your Major

• Take interesting electives to fulfill your own curiosity and to help you select a minor or double major. 
• Investigate and consider applying to The McMaster School for Advancing Humanity. 
• Use the O*Net website to explore occupations related to your major. 
• Network with professionals in your career field and begin to develop a list of individuals who would consider writing letters of recommendation. 
• Consider running for an office or chair a committee in the club or organization you joined. 
• Attend Career Development programs, seminars and employment fairs. 
• Pursue a summer position and/or internship related to your tentative field of interest. 
• If thinking about graduate or professional school schedule the Graduate and Professional School class (GEN300) in the Fall of your third year and take a practice graduate entrance exam. 
• Seek leadership roles in Project 701 or major-related organizations. 
• Create a LinkedIn account. 
• Update your resume on College Central Network. 
• Complete a mock interview with a staff member in Career Development, a professor, or a professional in your field of study. 
• Complete a check-up on your 4-Year Career Action Plan with a staff member from the Office of Career Development. 
• Explore opportunities in your field of study by shadowing a professional from your career path.

Third Year: Confirm Major/Minor and Gain Experience 

• Research and determine if graduate level education is required or preferred for your career plans. If it is, start researching grad/professional school options and requirements; take appropriate required exams. (Take GEN300 Fall semester if pursuing this path and attend the Graduate and Professional School Fair in the Fall)
• Research the workforce and employers. Become knowledgeable about labor markets and future employment trends. 
• Investigate and consider applying to The McMaster School for Advancing Humanity. 
• Attend as many career or internship fairs as possible and begin conversations with employers and professionals in your field. 
• Complete a mock interview with a staff member in Career Development, a professor, or a professional in your
  field of study. 
• Explore professional associations online and consider joining such as the American Marketing Association. 
• Identify and create a list of professional references for graduate school or employment. 
• Update your resume on College Central Network. 
• Update your LinkedIn account. 
• Create cover letters and have them proofread by a professional. 
• Consider running for an office or chair a committee in the club or organization you joined. 
• Pursue a summer position and/or internship related to your tentative field of interest. 
• Seek leadership roles in Project 701 or major-related organizations. 
• Strengthen your presentation skills. 
• Attend Spring networking event with local employers. 
• Visit the Office of Career Development. 
• Shop for and purchase at least one business professional and business casual outfit for interviews and networking events. Check out the Opp Shop on campus for an outfit.

Fourth Year: Career Planning and Beyond Graduation

• Set-up an appointment early in the semester with a staff member in the Office of Career Development to draft your career search or graduate school plan. 
• Review and update your resume on College Central Network regularly as well as any other databases. 
• Secure another internship in your field of interest, it may lead to full-time employment after graduation. 
• Complete graduate and professional school applications and take appropriate graduate admissions exam. 
• Update your LinkedIn account. 
• Explore professional associations online and consider joining such as the American Marketing Association. 
• Attend as many career fairs as possible and continue conversations with employers and professionals in your field. 
• Attend the Fall Senior Success Seminar event. 
• Develop a contingency plan by researching possible employers and consider other options until you reach your goals. 
• Continue to strengthen your presentation skills. 
• Complete a mock interview with a staff member in Career Development, a professor, or a professional in your field of study. 
• Tailor your cover letters to the position. 
• Complete the First Destination Survey before Commencement. 
• Notify the Office of Career Development when you accepted an offer for employment or graduate school.