Career Development Center

Sophomore Year

This is your second year, so start to focus, but keep an open mind. Begin to strategically build your resume, while keeping your academics a priority.

Exploration

  • If you have decided on a major, consider getting a part-time job or internship that relates to your field of interest or that will help you develop essential skills. Try to find a job that you might want to keep for the duration of three years that offers increasing responsibilities. This will demonstrate commitment, stability and responsibility to future employers.
  • Register on TIGERlink and NIC, the CDC's online database featuring jobs and internships.
  • If you have not yet decided on a major, visit the Career Development Center. Learn about our services, check out books from the Career Resource Library. Seek career counseling to begin the process of exploring career paths and selecting a major.
  • Visit faculty during office hours in various majors of interest during fall semester.
  • If you decide to minor or double major, visit with your academic advisor to help you select courses that will compliment your goals.
  • Contemplate studying abroad or spending a semester in Washington, D.C. or United Nations.
  • Continue to get to know faculty, counselors and administrators. Building relationships is key.
  • Familiarize yourself with the resources in the Office of Undergraduate Research and National Awards if you're considering graduate studies. These departments offer competitive local and abroad opportunities that are time-intensive to apply for.
  • You should have joined at least one club or organization your freshman year. During your sophomore year, you should add a second! Being involved demonstrates to employers that you have well-developed social skills and can work collaboratively and cooperatively.
  • Consider engaging with departments such as the Center for Community-Based Learning and Civic Engagement to demonstrate your commitment to your community.
  • Connect assignments, papers, speeches and projects to your field of interest-start exploring these areas and developing expertise. Use your assignments from different classes to explore your interests from different angles.
  • Attend various CDC programs and events. Watch for those events where alumni participate, including Walk In My Shoes, Industry Panels, Career Speaker Series, and mock interviews.
  • Gather insight and advice from successful people in field(s) you want to enter as well as those you had never before considered. Learn what your future employers are looking for. Learn how to successfully package yourself and market your degree.
  • Visit the CDC for training in resume writing and job interviewing. Design a resume if you do not have one. Update it at the end of every semester. Do not wait until your senior year to write your resume; you may forget some of your important achievements and experiences.
  • Check out the online alumni directory through Alumni Relations to find people to act as mentors.
  • Continue to meet with career counselors to arrange a short-term and long term career plans.
Suggestions for Your Summer
  • Try to find a job or internship in the field you would like to enter after graduation or that will give you general experience applicable to a variety of possible careers. Employers will be looking for relevant work experience and skill development on your resume.
  • If you are considering graduate school, begin researching the schools that specialize in your areas of interest now. Ask your professors for suggestions. Visit the web sites of these colleges and universities to learn about their requirements.
  • Take classes to enhance your skills.