Four Year Career Plan

Visit the Career Development office and familiarize yourself with the resources.
Get involved in student organizations, service-learning projects, residence life activities and community events that interest you.
Keep records of your jobs, awards, significant class projects and other items that will help you build a resume and portfolio.
Gain practical experience by getting a summer job or internship related to your potential major or career interests. Visit www.calvin.edu/career for job and internship postings, on and off campus.

Narrow your career choices to two or three fields. Meet with a career counselor for guidance and support as you make decisions.
Begin developing your resume and a generic cover letter and have them critiqued by Career Development staff.
Secure an internship or part-time job in your career field. Visit www.calvin.edu/career for job and internship postings, both on and off campus.
Attend career fairs. Talk with employers about job or internship opportunities and build your networking skills. Visit www.calvin.edu/career for a list of upcoming career fairs.
Thinking about graduate school? Research graduate admission test requirements, upcoming test schedules and preparatory courses.

Visit a career counselor to discuss your major and career goals.
Research more information about your potential career field by visiting the Career Resource Center on the main floor of Hekman Library.
Conduct job shadowing experiences and/or informational interviews with professionals who are working in careers that you are considering.
If you are unsure of how your strengths, abilities and interests translate into the world of work, contact the Career Development office to take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and Strong Interest Inventory. Meet with a career counselor to review the results and plan your next steps.
Continue getting involved in extracurricular activities to develop leadership and collaborative skills.

Visit a career counselor in the early fall to discuss your goals and develop a plan for your job search.
Assemble a professional portfolio that highlights significant accomplishments and experiences.
Refine your resume and cover letters.
Participate in a practice interview with a career counselor to polish your interviewing skills.
Attend career fairs in your geographical area of interest.
Use several methods in your job search (networking, using the Internet, attending job fairs, etc.).
If applicable, take graduate school admission test(s) and apply to graduate schools.
Believe that your job search will be fruitful!