Although the following information is setup in a 4-year format, we understand not everyone will follow a 4-year academic path. Our is to give you a list of career development, academic and extracurricular steps to be successful during college and after graduation. If you choose to participate in a number of experiences from this path, you will have lots of fun, meet a variety of people, learn a lot about yourself, and be prepared to find a job in an area that is a good fit for you. Please check out the path below to view our suggestions and then design your own path!
Self-Assessment: Start identifying your interests, abilities and values.
Career Development Center
- Visit the CDC in WA 209 to learn about our services.
- Assess your interests, abilities, personality, and values through the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.
- Identify possible majors and career fields.
- Learn how to find out more about careers, make decisions, and set goals as well as exploring careers with the Career Resource Library.
- Meet individually with a career counselor.
- Take DISCOVER, the interactive, internet based career assessment and research system available free through the CDC.
- Email Matt Carlson to sign up for MavTips, an email list for undeclared majors.
- Read the Undeclared Major Handbook, available free in the CDC office.
Academic and Extracurricular
Career Exploration: Narrow your choices of major and apply for admission to a specific MSU college.
Career Development Center
- Asses your interests, abilities and values through the Strong Interest Inventory and the MBTI.
- Take DISCOVER, an Internet based career development system available free through the CDC.
- Meet individually with a career counselor to develop short-term and long-term goals.
- Use the Internet to search for career information.
- Pick up the Undeclared Majors Handbook in the CDC or on the web if you haven't already done so.
- Pick up a Job Search Handbook or access it on the CDC website.
- Visit the Career Resource Library to find out more about careers and majors that you are interested in.
Academic and Extracurricular
- Continue to meet with academic advisors to discuss majors and department admission requirements.
- Attend "Discovering Yourself" workshops offered by the Counseling Center on topics including: self-esteem, grief and loss, relationships, test anxiety, procrastination.
- Register for the Decision-Making for Career and Life course through the Counseling and Student Personnel Department.
- Consider a variety of courses to narrow down your choice of major.
- Find career-related part-time work or a summer job.
- Study Abroad
- Mantain a strong GPA
- Pick up the Counseling Center's "tip sheets" on common student concerns.
Gaining Experience: Relate interests, abilities and values to possible career choices and gain experience.
Career Development Center
- Register for mavjobs.com if you haven't already done so.
- Meet individually with a career counselor to explore career options.
- Participate in Career Days activities in the fall and spring.
- Research Graduate Schools to find out about different programs that are offered, the admission requirements and how to apply.
- Learn about self-managed credential files if you are an education major.
- Check out internship vacancies on mavjobs.com.
- Use the Internet and employer information in the CDC to research potential internship sites and employers.
- Pick up a Job Search Handbook or access it on the CDC website.
Academic and Extracurricular
- Apply for graduation at least one year prior to expected graduation date.
- Begin to establish your personal network by connecting with professionals in your field of interest using your personal contacts, E-Mentoring through the Alumni Office
- Focus on classes within your major
- Study Abroad
- Meet with your academic department's internship coordinator to find out requirements.
- Join a professional and/or student organizations.
- Take required entrance exams if you are considering graduate school. Start application process.
- Find a career related part-time work or summerjob.
- Do some community service or volunteerwork.
The Job Search: Identify and apply for jobs or decide on graduate work.
Career Development Center
- Identify and apply for jobs or decide on graduate work
- Register for mavjobs.com (if you haven't already done so)
- Prepare your self-managed credential files if you are an education major.
- Write your resume. Use the Job Search Handbook to help you.
- Meet individually with a career counselor to review your resume and cover letters and ask any questions you may have regarding the job search process.
- Attend career and recruiting days that relate to your major to meet with prospective employers.
- Register for the Minnesota State Universities Job Fair or MN Education Job Fair.
- Check out vacancy listings on mavjobs.com and the Job Search & Links site.
- Use the Internet and employer information in the CDC to research potential employers.
- Participate in On-Campus Interviewing.
- Complete an internship (if you haven't already done so)
- Attend the Etiquette Dinner co-sponsored with the College of Business and Alumni Relations Office.
Academic and Extracurricular
- Continue networking with professionals in your field of interest.
- Meet with your advisor regarding graduation requirements.
- Identify your references.
- Stay active in the community and on campus as well as in professional organizations.
