FRESHMAN:
SELF-ASSESSMENT
Begin the journey of finding your God-given calling by identifying skills, interests, values and abilities.
GOAL
To develop and understanding of self interests, skills, values, personality style, and desired work life style.
CHECKLIST
__Complete the online assessment questionnaires to help you understand your work interests and provide examples of corresponding work. (contact a career services counselor for help)
__Check online resources at the AMU Career Services web page, ie. “What Can I do With This Major,” as well as references in the Canizaro library, such as,
What Color is Your Parachute?
Discover What You’re Best At
Personal Vocation—God Calls Everyone by Name
__Join a student organization or group. Click here
SOPHOMORE:
CAREER EXPLORATION GOALS
Find out how college majors relate to different occupations.
Learn how information interviewing and job shadowing can help you to “test” different occupations.
Talk with a Career Advisor in your field of interest: www.avemaria.edu/MajorsPrograms/CareerServices/AveMariaCareerAdvisorProgram.aspx/a>
Use AMU Vault/Career Insider online resources to find information on thousands of occupations.
CHECKLIST
__Check out the “What Can I do With This Major page on the AMU Career Services website.
__Look up a Career Advisor at www.avemaria.edu/CareerAdvisorProgram/
__Get started on the Vault On-Line Library. (http://www.vault.com)
__Attend the Career Fairs to explore a variety of careers and internship opportunities and enhance your presentation skills.
__Meet with a member of Career Services to review your resume, as well as discuss a strategy for securing an internship both your sophomore and junior years.
__Explore different career fields and gather information from the Career Services office on career options through job shadowing and information interviews.
__Attend professional development seminars. Check the event calendar on the Career Services weBPAGE: WWW.AVEMARIA.EDU/CAREEREVENTS
JUNIOR:
CAREER DECISION GOALS
Decide on a career field and research organizations that match your interests, skills, values, preferred work settings (Christian, secular, large industrial, small business, non-profit) and geographic preferences.
Determine coursework and skills needed for your career goals.
Seek an internship to explore and gain experience in an industry and profession of interest to you.
Form a plan to put your decision into action.
CHECKLIST
__Attend the Career Fairs.
__Act as a leader in a student organization or group. www.avemaria.edu/CampusLife/ClubsOrganizations.aspx
__Pursue an internship that is consistent with your desired field of interest. Check for internships at www.avemaria.edu/internship/
__Meet with a member of Career Services to update your resume, as well as conduct a mock interview to polish your interviewing skills. Email: careerservices@avemaria.edu to schedule an appointment
__Develop contacts through personal networking and request a Career Advisor at: www.avemaria.edu/CareerAdvisorProgram/
__Join a professional association related to your field. See a listing at the Career Advisor Program webpage.
__Explore graduate and professional school options. Learn of application deadlines and exam dates.
SENIOR:
JOB SEARCH GOALS
Seek opportunities that directly align with your career goals and execute your plan of action.
Checklist
__Attend the Career Fairs to explore a variety of positions that align with your skills, interests, and values.
__Continue to seek opportunities to act as a leader in a student organization or community group.
__Secure references from faculty, staff, or former employers who can attest to your qualifications. Select individuals who know you best and contact them for written references 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
__Develop lists of potential employers related to your occupational field. Visit:
AMU Career Services webpage (www.avemaria.edu/MajorsPrograms/CareerServices/Students.aspx),
VAULT (www.vault.com).
NACE (www.naceweb.org)
Career Search (www.careersearch.com)
__Draft targeted cover letters which are tailored to specific companies.
__Join the Ave Maria University LinkedIn group for updates on new job opportunities www.avemaria.edu/MajorsPrograms/CareerServices.aspx
__Prepare contact lists of friends, faculty, family, Career Advisors you can contact regarding available openings, possible employers and additional referrals. (About 75% of jobs are filled through networking)