Four-Year Career Development Plan

Most would agree that professional and career development is a focal point of the college experience. Majors and minors are chosen, extracurricular activities rise to a new level, options for study abroad or community service broaden horizons and campus work, internships, co-ops or practicum connect students with the professional workplace. Family and friends regularly ask, “So, what are you planning to do after college?” in a well-meaning way.

Trying to undertake career development all at once can be daunting. But, with some important steps each year, it is possible to build confidence and a portfolio of skills and experiences that will serve you well with advanced study or professional employment.

• Get to know your academic advisor and faculty and seek their advice.
• Develop spiritually through prayer, attending chapel and convocation and participating in ministries.
• Take a career assessment offered by Career Services, which will assess your responses to a wide range of questions and will suggest occupations in line with your strongest interests.
• Participate in extracurricular activities and try some new ventures.

• Continue with core liberal arts courses and begin to register for courses in your major. If still deciding about a major, consider taking one or more introductory courses in majors that are of interest.
• Participate in the rich array of extracurricular programs on campus – athletics, student government, residence life, student ministries or missions, community service, clubs, the arts or more.
• Maintain or build foreign language skills to help support your communication in study abroad, missions, and community service programs.
• Seek part-time or summer employment opportunities related to an academic or career interest.

• Seek professional experiences on campus such as becoming a teaching assistant, writing tutor, Career Ambassador, Admissions intern or other important roles.
• Ask to be involved in your professor’s research projects.
• Study abroad – see the Global Education Office for descriptions of many programs.
• Visit Career Services and talk with your faculty about doing an internship or cooperative education experience.
• Write your resume (see Career Services for assistance or a resume review) and start networking with Gordon alumni through campus events, Homecoming, http://gordon.experience.com (GordonLink Mentors) or the LinkedIn Gordon Alumni Group. See Career Services and Alumni Office staff and calendars for questions about events.

• Prepare for graduate study by talking with your faculty and visiting Career Services for resources about graduate study programs, entrance exams and fellowships and finances.
• Attend the Graduate School Fair in the September and/or the Gordon College Internship and Job Fair in March to meet with a wide array of representatives from graduate schools and employers.
• Polish your job search skills for interviewing, writing cover letters, customizing resumes and networking.
• Set up a credentials file in Career Services to house your graduate school application or job search documents.
• Schedule an appointment in Career Services to develop a personalized job search plan.
• Begin your job search early and set aside time each week to prepare applications or cover letters and resumes.