4-Year Checklist

Year 1

  • Meet your University Career Services Advisor.
  • Attend one of Career Services' resume workshops to starting building your resume.
  • Utilize the Career Services online tutorials for building an effective cover letter and resume.
  • Get engaged with the Student Life Center to find out about registered student organizations, volunteer opportunities, and extra-curricular activities.
  • Take the FOCUS Career Assessment to verify you are in the correct major for your career path or help you choose a career path that is right for you.
  • Meet with the Academic Advisement Center to ensure you are taking the necessary courses to complete your degree.
  • Be aware of all majors and minors that are available at SVSU to ensure they are in line with your career goals.
  • Check with the Office of International Programs to identify study abroad programs you may be interested in.
  • Log on to the Cardinal Career Network and start exploring employers and jobs of interest to you. Make sure to explore all on-campus employment opportunities.
  • Watch the Career Services Calendar of Events and plan to attend a few events of interests as well as career fairs.
  • Purchase professional attire

Year 2

  • Have your Career Services advisor review and edit your resume.
  • Continue to explore the Cardinal Career Network for experiential learning opportunities.
  • Begin exploring internship, volunteer, and job shadow opportunities.
  • If you are still unsure about your career path, take the FOCUS Career Assessment and schedule an appointment to meet with an advisor to cement your major.
  • Check with the Office of International Programs about studying abroad.
  • Meet with the Academic Advisement Center to ensure you are taking the necessary courses toward completion of your degree.
  • Continue to join registered student organizations and engage in volunteer opportunities through the Student Life Center.
  • Continue to actively participate in special events offered by Career Services.

Year 3

  • Update your resume, have it critiqued at Career Services, and upload a current, polished version to the Cardinal Career Network (if you have not already done so)!
  • Schedule a mock interview with an advisor to proactively prepare for interviews.
  • Begin applying for internship opportunities early on as well as researching graduate schools and entrance exams for continuing your education.
  • Attend career fairs to research employers, internships, and graduate school opportunities.
  • Take leadership position in your registered student organization.
  • Meet with the Academic Advisement Center to ensure you are taking the necessary courses toward completion of your degree.
  • Check the Cardinal Career Network to sign up for on-campus interviews and apply for jobs and internships online.
  • Begin networking with employers - many of the same recruiters will recruit you during your junior and senior years!
  • Contact Student Research and Creativity Institute to see if research opportunities are available to help get into the best graduate school for you.

Year 4

  • Update your resume, have it critiqued one last time at Career Services, and upload a current, polished version to the Cardinal Career Network.
  • Compile references from employers and professors for jobs and graduate school applications.
  • Schedule a mock interview with an advisor to help with securing an internship or job.
  • Research, research, research! - And begin applying for jobs early on in your senior year. REMEMBER: On average it takes a student 4-6 months before graduating to secure a position.
  • Attend as many Career Services events as possible to gain information about applying for jobs and how to prepare for the transition to the workplace.
  • Meet with the Academic Advisement Center one last time to make sure you are on track.
  • Complete your graduation audit!
  • Attend career fairs to network and make employer contacts. Apply for open positions.
  • Check the Cardinal Career Network to sign up for on-campus interviews and apply for jobs.
  • Remember to report your hire status through the Cardinal Career Network.
  • Fill out the Alumni Survey from the Career Services Office.
  • Meet with the Office of Alumni Relations before graduating to build your networking team.
  • Assess your boundaries for employment - identify what cities and state you are willing to be located.

Before you apply

  • Personalize your profile on the Cardinal Career Network by uploading a critiqued cover letter and resume, and unofficial transcripts.
  • Check police reports for any previous offenses.
  • Google yourself!
  • Reassess the privacy settings on your social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
  • Have an appropriate voice message on your phone.
  • Be aware that many employers require a drug test and a reference check.
  • Complete a mock interview to ensure you are prepared for the real interview.