Career Development Center

First Year

This is your first year, so find some balance between your academic and co-curricular life.

Awareness

  • This is a time to identify possible majors of interest.
  • Explore professional options via the various majors offered. There are brochures "What Can I Do With A Major In..." available in the CDC as well as online.
  • Visit the CDC to learn about our services and check out books from the Career Resource Library.
  • Consider an appointment with a counselor to learn about decision-making and goal-setting.
  • Learn about career assessments that assist you in identifying interests, values, skills, and personal preferences.
  • Get to know faculty, counselors, and administrators. Start building relationships.
  • Become active in the campus community by joining clubs and organizations. It is a good idea to meet upperclassmen from majors that you are curious about studying.
  • If you are working on campus, try to find a job you are interested in having for all four years to build a strong work ethic and relevant experience.
  • Attend various CDC programs and events. Watch for those events where alumni participate, i.e., Industry Panels and Career Speaker Series. It is never too early to start building your network.
  • Investigate part-time and summer jobs in your area of interest. Internships are usually more difficult to get during your first year.
  • Prepare a resume and learn how to write a cover letter.
  • Get tips on interviewing if needed.
Suggestions for Your First Summer
  • Gain work experience through a job, volunteer position, or possibly an internship. Be mindful of gaining as much insight from this experience as you can, and build your skills and developing good work habits. Reflect on what you have learned.
  • Take a computer course.
  • Study a language.
  • Discuss with everyone you know what you are interested in doing.
Some Points to Consider
  • If you think you know what major you will declare, or even have a reasonable idea, you might want to select an advisor in that major.
  • You will choose your classes for your sophomore year in the spring semester. Although you might still be identifying your interests, remember that some majors have specific requirements that may not fill all core requirements.
  • If a major of interest allows you a number of electives, you might consider a minor or double major. Electives are a good way to strengthen your skills.