How to Use Career Services Year by Year

Undergraduate students will want to think about career goals and ways to achieve those goals from the time you start your college career. Even if your objectives change, it is still important to be gaining experiences and knowledge that will make you a qualified applicant to jobs in your field of interest once you graduate. Career Services will be here for you during the four (or more) years you are at Baker. Here are suggestions year by year for preparing to find the job you want :

Freshman Year

• Make an appointment at Career Services to meet with a career counselor to initiate career plans.
• Take the Strong Interest Inventory and Do What You Are.
• Use the Focus II Computerized Career Guidance Program.
• Look through Career Services resources regarding various careers especially Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• Take classes in subject areas that you find interesting.
• Join at least one campus club/organization or community based organization.
• Complete an informational interview in a career that interests you.
• Talk to professors in your area/s of interest.
• Strive for a high GPA.

Sophomore Year

• Continue taking classes in interest areas.
• Meet with a career counselor at Career Services to discuss selecting a major and career plans.
• Declare a major if you haven’t already done so.
• Research What Can I Do With a Major In . . . to explore majors and find possibilities for your major.
• Research specifics about careers using Career Services resources.
• Take the Strong Interest Inventory and Do What You Are if not already completed.
• Complete two to three informational interviews in careers that interest you.
• Complete an internship in your interest area.
• Consider a leadership role in an organization.
• Attend a Job Fair or Career Services workshop.
• Begin thinking about graduate school and meet with a career counselor at Career Services regarding plans.
• Develop professional relationship with professors.
• Develop a resume and cover letter and have it reviewed by a career counselor.
• Consider doing an internship at the end of your sophomore year to begin to define your career goals.
• Maintain or work toward a high GPA.

Junior Year

• Declare a major if you haven’t already.
• Meet with a career counselor at Career Services to discuss career plans.
• Update resume and cover letter and have it reviewed by a career counselor.
• Continue researching specific fields through Career Services resources and online searches.
• Complete two or three informational interviews with professionals in your interest area.
• Meet with a career counselor or faculty advisor regarding graduate school admission.
• Begin preparing for graduate school entrance exams by taking practice tests.
• Take graduate entrance exams (spring semester).
• Acquire some level of leadership experience.
• Complete a mock interview either in Career Services or at the Mock Interview event in February.
• Attend the Alumni Career Exploration Fair.
• Complete an internship in your major area.
• Continue to develop professional relationship with professors.
• Attend Job Fairs and Career Services workshops.
• Maintain or work toward a high GPA.

Senior Year

• Meet with a career counselor to discuss career plans, networking, and job search strategies.
• Take graduate entrance exams if not already completed.
• Apply to graduate schools.
• Complete informational interviews with three to five professionals in your chosen field.
• Update your resume and cover letter.
• Research prospective employers.
• Review Career Services website and other job search sites for job postings.
• Attend Job Fairs and Career Services Workshops (especially Senior DisOrientation).
• Sign up for Senior Wine and Dine in the spring semester.
• Develop a list of references with a minimum of three.
• Participate in on-campus recruiting activities.
• Maintain a high GPA.