Career Planning Guide

Career Planning Guide

The following year-by-year guide includes suggestion for each year in order to help you prepare for a career. There are many paths to success, and the exact process may vary from one individual to the next. Developing a post-graduation plan requires active participation on the part of each student. The Knowlton School provides many resources, both inside and outside of the classroom, to assist in your preparation.

    First Year

    • Develop time management skills and prioritize academic requirements
    • Seek out tutoring, professors’ office hours and advising when needed
    • Get involved in a campus organization and become an active participant
    • Think ahead and plan for academic experiences that will enhance your resume and skill set (study abroad, joining a peer mentor program, applying for Honors standing)
    • Explore volunteer opportunities or part-time/summer jobs related to your interests
    • Research study abroad opportunities

    Second Year

    • Conduct informational interviews to learn about career options and different paths toward your goals

    • Update your resume to remove high school information; seek out a resume info session and/or resume review opportunity
    • Research and make a list of specific career possibilities that suit your interests
    • Attend Knowlton School professional development sessions when offered, and attend other sessions on campus that are open to all students
    • Participate in volunteer opportunities or part-time/summer jobs related to your interests
    • Talk with professors to develop personal connections; professors may later become references for graduate school applications
    • Use Handshake regularly to research job and internship listings
    • Put together work samples and/or a portfolio to use for internship applications
    • Prepare for and attend the Knowlton School Career Day
    • Join your major’s specific professional student organization (AIAS, CRSPA, SCASLA): a great way to meet upperclassmen and professionals in your discipline
    • Report summer internship offers

    Third Year

    • Update your resume again
    • Sign up for the Knowlton School Mentor Program
    • If graduate school is part of your plans, begin to research schools and degree options
    • Meet with faculty during office hours to discuss career and graduate school options
    • Attend Knowlton School professional development sessions when offered, and attend other sessions on campus that are open to all students
    • Prepare for and attend the Knowlton School Career Day
    • Sign up for on-campus interview opportunities when available
    • Use Handshake regularly to research job and internship listings; become familiar with other job search stategies and speciallized resources that align with your career goals
    • If graduate school is an option for you, research the GRE and take practice tests; take the GRE in the summer prior to the start of your fourth year
    • If you plan to apply to graduate school, begin to generate your statement of purpose and consider who you will ask for recommendation letters
    • Update your portfolio and/or work samples to use for internship applications
    • Report summer internship offers

    Fourth Year

    • Continue to polish your resume and portfolio and other professional documents
    • Begin to conduct your job search, starting 6-9 months prior to your graduation date
    • Network with employers as much as possible through Knowlton events, student organization events, etc
    • Attend campus career fairs and Knowlton career events
    • Use Handshake regularly to research job and internship listings
    • Visit graduate schools in which you are interested
    • Report summer internship/career employment/grad program offers

    After Graduation

    Contact Undergraduate

    Jessica Baer-Graves
    Student Services Manager
    614-292-1012
    baer-graves.1@osu.edu