Career Planning Strategies
An Action Plan is a series of activities that will guide you in making insightful and intelligent decisions regarding your academic experience while attending
the University. These activities include selecting an appropriate academic major, becoming involved in career related activities, and in using the many resources
available at CSULB to make good decisions.
Please take a few minutes to review the Action Plan timeline presented below. Following this timeline will greatly increase your chance of making your college
experience an effective foundation for your life, as well as a successful and satisfying career.
Career Timeline
What is a Career Timeline?
A career timeline from your freshman to senior year is a series of career related activities that will enhance your academic experience while preparing
you for your professional life after graduation.
Why Follow a Career Timeline?
- Students state that active participation in career related jobs/activities has assisted them in identifying a major that best suits them.
- You have the opportunity to build a "network" of professionals who can provide you with information about the industry and leads for future
employment.
- Employers consistently state that students who gain experience throughout their college experience are bettered prepared to compete for the best jobs.
How Do I Get Started?
We recommend that you devise your career plan based on your current academic level. For a list of activities related to your academic level, select from
the following:
It is really never too early to get started. Your timing is great!
- Enroll in a career exploration course. CDC staff can help you find one.
- Attend Job Fairs to meet professionals and learn about occupations/internships/jobs.
- Review the CDC workshops/Events Calendar for workshops on choosing a major/career.
- Conduct informational interviews with faculty, family, and the Alumni Network to learn more about specific careers.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to discuss appropriate career assessments that will help you to identify majors/careers compatible
with your personal traits.
- Visit the CDC Employment Web site to arrange for an internship or part-time job during the academic year and/or summer that will help you develop professional
work habits, networks of professionals for future references, realistic perspectives of the professional work environment and multiple experiences to
build a competitive resume.
Should you have additional questions, make an appointment with a career counselor, visit the CDC BH 250 talk with a drop-in counselor or send an email
to a CDC Counselor.
You're ahead of the curve and you're progressing nicely.
- Take an introductory course in the major you are exploring
- If you are still not clear about the major you want to pursue, schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to discuss appropriate career assessments
that will help you identify majors/careers that best suit you.
- Attend Job Fairs to meet employers and discuss career paths.
- Research occupations/careers of interest by visiting the CDC Resource Library.
- Conduct informational interviews with faculty, family, and the Alumni Network to learn more about specific careers.
- Visit the CDC Employment Web site to arrange for an internship or part-time job during the academic year and/or summer that will help you develop.
- Professional work habits
- Networks of professionals for future references
- Realistic perspectives of the professional work environment.
- Multiple experiences to build a competitive resume.
Should you have additional questions, make an appointment with a career counselor, visit the CDC BH 250 to talk with a drop-in counselor or send an email
to a CDC Counselor.
Keep up the good work. You're increasing your competitive edge and have a little more to go.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor if you have any doubts about your major or career selection and/or enroll in a career exploration course
for undecided upper division students
- Join a student organization supporting your major/career choice
- Attend all of the Job Fairs, talk with employers to build confidence and submit resumes for part- time and internship positions
- Register for elective classes that will enhance your employment options
- Get to know faculty, counselors, and administration
- Attend CDC workshops on resumes, interviews, and job search techniques
Visit the CDC Employment Web site to arrange for an internship or part-time job during the academic year and/or summer that will help you develop.
- Professional work habits
- Networks of professionals for future references
- Realistic perspectives of the professional work environment
- Multiple experiences to build a competitive resume
Should you have additional questions, make an appointment with a career counselor, visit the CDC in BH 250, talk with a drop-in counselor or send an email
to a CDC Counselor
Congratulations! You've done a splendid job and you're ready to beat the competition.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor to discuss your commitment to your major/ career selection and design a specific campaign to obtain
employment upon graduation. .
- Attend workshops on resumes, interviews, and job search techniques.
- Attend all Job Fairs to network, distribute resumes and discuss employment opportunities. Continue your membership in your Student Association to build
and maintain your network of professionals.
- During your last semester, register for On-Campus Interviews (OCI) Interviews to interview for full-time professional positions and, visit the CDC
Employment Web site to arrange for full-time employment upon graduation.
- Develop professional work habits, networks of professionals for future references and realistic perspectives of the professional work environment.
- Have multiple experiences to build a competitive resume
- Contact Faculty and Administrators to arrange for letter of reference.
- Join the most active professional association related to your career goals.
Should you have additional questions, make an appointment with a career counselor, visit the CDC BH 250, talk with a drop-in counselor or send an email
to a CDC Counselor
