Career Engagement at Washburn University is an integral part of the networks between students/alumni and potential employers. Career Engagement does much more than help students and alumni find jobs. We provide comprehensive Career Engagement and extensive networking opportunities through workshops, seminars, and campus-wide career fairs.

Choosing and attaining a meaningful career requires active participation in all phases of the search as well as a sincere commitment to self-reflection.

Download the 4-Year Plan Handout

Select a year:

Academics: Explore the University

Personal: Self-Understanding

  • Develop a support group of friends
  • Take a personality assessment at Career Engagement
  • Get Rec’d!  Check out the SRWC
  • Do values clarification exercises
  • Explore individual counseling with University Counselors
  • Identify major fears of college life
  • Redefine family relationships
  • Sign up for MyMoney Five during your New Student Orientation session

Social: Initiate Relationships

Career: Explore Career Areas

  • Attend a career workshop – visit Career Engagement
  • Follow the Career Engagement Facebook fan page to get updates on all events!
  • Talk with parents, friends, advisors, professors, career counselors
  • Do "career testing" through volunteering
  • Use "What Can I Do With This Major" and FOCUS2 software on Career Engagement website
  • Attend Activities and Majors Fair
  • Identify your transferable skills and abilities
  • Develop career-related hobbies

SOPHOMORE YEAR – Defining!

Academics: Gain Specific Information

  • Seek academic advice from professors and peers
  • Grab lunch with one of your professors
  • Establish a personal GPA goal
  • Choose an academic major
  • Develop a tentative academic plan
  • Choose electives that match your needs/interests
  • Explore Study Abroad

Personal: Explore New Roles

Social: Increase Involvement

  • Become actively involved in a club/organization, maybe one associated with your possible major
  • Volunteer on student committees
  • Volunteer in the community
  • Join Intramural Teams at the SRWC
  • Attend University-wide events, lectures, and performances

Career: Collect More Information

  • Read about Careers in the Library and online via FOCUS2 and O*Net
  • Conduct an informational interview with someone in your area of interest
  • Develop your short term goals for gaining experience and skills
  • Look for a summer internship
  • Volunteer to “shadow” a professional
  • Talk with Specialists in Career Engagement about resumes and internships
  • Attend career presentations and fairs to gather information and seek internships
  • Claim your account on Handshake to start looking for jobs and internships

JUNIOR YEAR – Researching!

Academics: Make Initial Choices

  • Take mock GRE/MCAT or LSAT exams
  • Focus on succeeding in major courses – seek tutoring with the Academic Success Center
  • Relate academics to future life plans
  • Attend departmental seminars/lectures that relate to your major
  • Develop an academic mentor
  • Consider research opportunities
  • Seek out and apply for internships

Personal: Risk Personal Openness

  • Seek out sources of support
  • Help others with their problems
  • Continue discussions with your mentor
  • Test ideas through decision groups
  • Disagree with an authority – but have a solid reason

Social: Exercise New Skills

  • Run for an elected office/get involved in WSGA
  • Apply for Resident Assistant (RA) or peer advisor positions
  • Become a Big Brother/Big Sister
  • Volunteer through Campus Activities Board (CAB)

Career: Increase Experience

  • Find internships that interest you
  • Make tentative career decisions
  • Attend the career and graduate school fairs
  • Stop by Career Engagement for a Resume Review and to discuss plans and goals
  • Develop general awareness of many career options
  • Familiarize yourself with work settings and job descriptions
  • Have a Mock Interview with Career Engagement

Academics: Long-Term Decisions

  • Prepare graduate school applications
  • Apply for awards
  • Present projects at scholarly meetings
  • Complete your WTE!
  • Become a tutor
  • Request a senior progress check from Office of Registrar
  • Develop an independent study that is meaningful to you

Personal: Make Commitments

  • Prepare for your chosen lifestyle
  • Attend stress workshops
  • Talk about your first year out of school
  • Make a list of your firm decisions
  • Write down three life-long goals
  • Prior to graduation, complete MyMoney Five modules regarding student loan repayment
  • Consult financial literacy resources as needed
  • Participate in Commencement!

Social: Leadership

  • Lead a group or club
  • Supervise a few student projects
  • Join a professional organization
  • Tutor high school students
  • Assist in facilitation of leadership conferences and workshops

Career: First Career Choice

  • Attend presentations on: job searches, interviewing, and the transition from college life to post-college life
  • Attend career fairs and make connections with recruiters!
  • Establish life goals
  • Develop a contact list of references; use your network to develop leads
  • Check Handshake and apply for jobs/Apply to graduate programs
  • Interview for jobs or grad/professional school admission
  • Develop a budget for graduate school or life after school
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