|
Career planning is more than just finding a job; it is a multi-phased process that involves steps to be taken during your entire time at UAB. The following plan lays out these steps by class year, but please realize the steps could also be laid out in progressive phases, regardless of your classification. Begin these phases as early as possible to ensure your career/job goals are met.
Phase I or Freshman: Assess & Explore
•
|
Register with Career & Professional Development Services (CPDS) on DragonTrail Jobs
|
•
|
Take career inventories (will be required during your FYE class)
|
|
°
|
Explore majors (includes all UAB majors) |
|
°
|
Explore suggested career areas that match your Inventory results |
•
|
Learn UAB academic requirements behind each major you've chosen |
•
|
Schedule a follow up meeting with your academic advisor to discuss findings on majors and related occupations |
•
|
Begin exploring various occupations aligned with your interests, skills, and values
Other resources for exploration include the following: |
|
° |
Occupational Outlook Handbook |
|
°
|
What Can I Do With A Major In... |
|
°
|
UAB's Sterne Library online resources |
|
°
|
Printed materials in CPDS library (HUC 532) |
•
|
Talk with faculty, alumni, advisors and professionals in the field for further occupational information |
•
|
Explore and join student and professional organizations |
•
|
Start a journal or portfolio (clubs, activities, events, etc.) reflecting on experiences |
•
|
Attend UAB career fairs, seminars, and events |
•
|
Attend CPDS part-time job fair in August (if desired) |
•
|
Make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss next steps |
Phase II or Sophomore: Research & Prepare
•
|
Revisit all steps for freshmen as they apply to sophomores |
•
|
Reflect on and adjust previous career/academic plan based on experiences & knowledge |
•
|
Discuss with your academic advisor how your academic plan integrates with your career goal |
•
|
Register for ECG 300, "Strategies for Effective Career Development" |
•
|
Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss career goals and appropriate experiential learning opportunities |
•
|
Continue involvement in student organizations, community, civic and/or service leqarning opportunities |
•
|
Attend a resume writing seminar or view online
|
•
|
Develop your resume and upload it into DragonTrail Jobs |
•
|
Begin a search for summer jobs/internships/co-ops (experiential learning opportunities) |
•
|
Attend an interview preparation seminar or view online |
•
|
Develop your "30 second elevator pitch" or positioning statement |
| • |
Schedule a mock interview with CPDS |
•
|
Research requirements for graduate/professional school and begin studying for admission |
•
|
Attend UAB's fall and/or spring career fairs |
Phase III or Junior: Validate & Experience
•
|
Revisit all steps above as they apply to juniors |
•
|
Update your resume in DragonTrail Jobs
|
•
|
Reflect on and adjust previous career/academic plan |
•
|
Consult with your academic advisor to confirm degree requirements |
•
|
Assume leadership roles in student organizations |
•
|
Apply for UAB Mentor Program sponsored by UAB CPDS & UAB National Alumni Society |
•
|
Continue developing skills and relationships to increase your employability |
•
|
Research careers thoroughly to target job options and career areas within the major that fit your career goals |
•
|
Use community business forums and professional organizations for networking and information gathering |
•
|
Attend all career seminars and events, some of which include the following: |
|
°
|
Resume Writing |
|
°
|
Interview Skills/Preparation |
|
°
|
Job Search Strategies |
|
°
|
Skills Employers Value |
|
°
|
Business Major Options |
|
°
|
Special programs-panels, etc. |
•
|
Attend the annual Graduate School Fair |
•
|
Attend UAB's fall and spring career fairs |
•
|
Begin application process fro graduate/professional school and take exams |
•
|
Develop your target list of employers and begin outreach |
•
|
Talk with supervisors, faculty, and key leaders about serving as references, providing them with a copy of your resume |
Phase IV or Senior: Implement & Succeed
•
|
Revisit all steps above as they apply to seniors |
•
|
Update your resume in DragonTrail Jobs
|
•
|
Reflect on career/academic plan |
•
|
Meet with a career counselor to have all job search materials reviewed: positioning statement, cover letters, resumes, target lists, job search plan |
•
|
Identify on- and off-campus interview opportunities |
•
|
Schedule mock interview(s) to improve interview skills |
•
|
Sign up for on-campus interviews through DragonTrail Jobs
|
•
|
Apply for jobs or entrance into graduate/professional schools |
•
|
Gather information on salaries and relocating |
•
|
Attend career fairs if needed |
•
|
Cultivate job and graduate school offers and negotiate for the optimal fit |
•
|
Continue to build and keep in touch with your network & references |
•
|
Update or complete journal/portfolio entries |
•
|
Contact UAB CPDS to advise of employment |
|
Career Action Plan
