The Career & Professional Development Plan

Preparing for a Future of Meaningful Work

Research shows that the key to a smooth and effective post-graduate transition is early, intentional exploration and planning.  It is essential that you take initiative to test our your career areas of interest and gain relevant experience which will make you marketable to prospective employers and graduate schools.  By "testing out" interest areas through experiential learning, your plan may shift or change - that's completely natural!  Remember to stay flexible.  The Career & Professional Development Plan is intended to assist you in effectively managing your career exploration, planning, and decision making. To get started, identify where you are currently at in the plan by taking this Career Planning Questionnaire.

ASSESS

Assess, articulate and develop your strengths, interests and values.  Begin to explore options that are congruent with your awareness of self.

Gather information on career areas of interest so that you can make informed decisions about your future.  Intentionally choose activities that will allow you to explore and grow personally and professionally. 

Enhance critical professional competencies in order to successfully connect your professional goals with real world opportunities.  Take your experience to the next level by participating in meaningful opportunities that will differentiate you from the rest.  

Synthesize your collective experiences from your academics, internships and other experiential learning, service, leadership, and co-curricular involvement.  Begin to articulate a plan and take action to translate your skills and experiences into meaningful post-graduate opportunities.

Department-Specific Career Plans

The following academic departments have created "customized" plans unique to their majors.