Four Year Career Plan   FRESHMAN PLAN – GETTING STARTED   Take a variety of courses that interest you – if you’re undecided, this will help you decide on a major Take the Strong Interest Inventory and/or Myers-Briggs Type Indicator – these assessment tools will help you explore majors and career options Visit the library, writing center, or get an academic tutor - it is important to demonstrate academic performance by excelling in your coursework Visit faculty during office hours - these relationships you can later use as references for employment Familiarize yourself now with graduation requirements – developing a timeline as a freshman can help you graduate on time Obtain a US Passport and take a foreign language course – international experiences looks great on a resume Discuss your career options with your faculty advisor and a Career Development staff member Volunteer in Rock Hill or a surrounding community - build a network and gain skills! Join a campus organization; SOAR (Serving others and Reflecting) is a great one to join! – in a few years your high school organizations won’t be on your resume and you will need to replace them with new experiences Visit our office to get help writing your resume – it is important to update your resume every semester Apply for an internship to gain valuable work experience while in college (you are eligible after acquiring 24 hours of credit at Winthrop and a 2.5 GPA) Register on EAGLElink to access vital career information and apply for off-campus positions. Website: www.winthrop.edu/eaglelink   SOPHOMORE PLAN - CAREER EXPLORATION Make sure that you have completed all items under the freshman plan Update your resume and upload it onto EAGLElink: www.winthrop.edu/eaglelink Meet with your Career Consultant to discuss your career plan Declare your major by the time you have earned 45 credit hours, to avoid a registration hold Take Strong & MBTI career assessment tools , if you have not already done so Take a variety of courses- include a service learning course Commit to community service activities related to your career goals and interests Get involved in a professional organization that relates to your major—many offer reduced student membership rates…consider attending a professional conference too Apply for internships and begin networking with academic and/or professional references for future employment Review Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA) opportunities online at www.winthrop.edu/onca/ Attend Center events and workshops Use the part-time & leadership listings at the Center to consider applying for on-campus positions to develop skills, confidence and references for future employment Talk to alumni in your major using the Alumni Career Network Attend the spring career fair to connect with key employers Consider attending an alternative spring break trip JUNIOR PLAN – CONFIRM CAREER CHOICE Make sure that you have completed all items under the freshman & sophomore plans Participate in the internship program, if your major allows Inquire on EAGLElink about opportunities that connect with your major and/or career Seek leadership responsibilities in extracurricular activities; take a leadership role in service Identify career options that match your major and interests Refer back to results from STRONG & MBTI career assessment tools to reaffirm career choice and identify careers that match your skills set Conduct informational interviews with professionals in the Alumni Career Network Discuss career opportunities in your major with faculty, professionals, advisors, and Center staff Study abroad/work abroad/take an International Service Learning course Develop networking and professional etiquette competencies by attending Center events and workshops Review sample resumes and cover letters to prepare for your upcoming job search Create a portfolio and update your resume, documenting all work on EAGLElink Compile a Reference File—connect with key people who will write recommendation letters for graduate school or the job search Make sure to assess your cultural event credit Research graduate school options and required testing (GRE, GMAT, etc.) Make an appointment at the Center to have your resume critiqued Attend the Spring career fair to connect with key employers Explore summer internship opportunities   SENIOR PLAN – DEVELOP CAREER PLAN AND ACT ON IT Make sure that you have completed all items under the freshman, sophomore & junior plans Apply to graduate after completion of 87 earned hours Attend Graduation Expo, a one-stop shopping event for all of your graduation needs Practice networking, etiquette skills, and learn important job search strategies by attending Center events and workshops Facilitate a community service learning project that relates to your career goals Schedule a mock interview with Center staff to practice your interviewing skills Participate in an internship, if your major allows Interview professionals in the Alumni Career Network for career advice, resume critique & additional networking contacts Discuss career opportunities with faculty and advisors Research potential employers online or visit the Center Meet with Career staff to develop an individualized job search strategy Update all materials for your job search on EAGLElink (cover letters, resume, writing samples, etc.) Search for full-time positions online with EAGLElink Attend the Education Career Fair or Spring Career Fair to apply for positions Contact the Alumni Relations Office to learn about the free benefits of membership in the Winthrop Alumni Association at www.winthropalumni.com

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