Oregon State University Career Guide - Flipbook - Page 5
Career Steps
What phase are you at in your career journey? These steps don9t correspond directly to years in school. Instead, use
them as guideposts in your career preparation. Start where it makes sense for you and don9t worry if you repeat a
phase or two along the way.
STEP 1: GET PLANNING
» Take a Focus2 self-assessment to
explore career paths, job titles and learn
about your working personality.
» Build your Handshake proole.
» Get involved by joining a student
organization, volunteering, attending
campus events or onding a job related to
your career goals.
STEP 2: GET PROFESSIONAL
STEP
1
» Get to know your professors during
ooce hours and maintain a solid GPA.
» Increase your online presence by creating a
LinkedIn proole or electronic portfolio.
» Attend career events, fairs and workshops.
» Explore research and internship
opportunities.
» Come to the Career Development
Center for a drop-in appointment to
review your résumé and/or cover letter.
» Explore relevant courses, minors
and study abroad options with your
academic advisor.
» Begin researching and identifying
2-3 employers of interest and reach out to
set up informational interviews or a
job shadow.
» Develop your elevator pitch to use during
networking events.
STEP
2
» Take on leadership roles in student
organizations.
» Start acquiring professional attire
appropriate to your oeld.
STEP 3: GET CONNECTED
STEP 4: GET HIRED
» Build your network and make LinkedIn
connections with professors, faculty,
advisors and alumni.
» Update your Handshake proole, résumé,
cover letter and LinkedIn proole.
» Attend employer events and career panels
to explore opportunities and industryspecioc job/internship search strategies.
STEP
3
» Leverage the network you have built both
on and of campus to ond opportunities.
» Use Handshake and other job boards to
apply for jobs and internships.
» Join relevant professional organizations
and associations in your oeld. Many of
these have student chapters at OSU.
» Use StandOut or contact the Career
Development Center to get help practicing
your interviewing skills.
» Research graduate schools and
requirements for acceptance into
programs of interest.
» Evaluate your online presence from an
employer9s/program9s perspective.
» Develop a list of professional references.
STEP
» Expand engagement in on- and ofcampus activities to diversify your skills,
experiences and connections.
4
» Create a professional email address and
phone message.
» International students: Investigate
requirements for Optional Practical
Training.
» International students: Investigate
Curricular Practical Training to work in the
U.S. during college.
CAREER GUIDE
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