Career Planning: Freshmen & Sophomores

Explore the possibilities.  Educate yourself on the connection between your interests and potential careers or majors.  Utilize key resources such as:
  • FOCUS-2.  A computer-assisted guidance instrument with assessment features. LINK
  • What Can I Do…?  An online resource to help connect majors with careers. LINK 

Gather Information. Use printed, electronic, and people resources to assist you.

  • Learn how to conduct an informational interview. LINK
  • Research majors at LVC. LINK
  • Participate in career events such as On the Porch, discipline-specific career fairs, and other career events to learn about industries, internships, and other experiential programs. LINK
  • Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). LINK

Connect with others.  Begin to build a network of people early in your college career.

  • Consult Career Connections mentors through your JOB CENTER account.  These LVC alumni are willing and eager to “chat” with you and offer advice. LINK
  • Apply for Project CLOSE-UP, a career shadowing program for first year students. LINK
  • Speak with a career advisor for help on narrowing choices, defining career directions, obtaining suggested resources, and learning helpful strategies. LINK

Start to build your professional profile. It's never too early to begin. 

  • Sign on to JOB CENTER.  Keep your profile current, stay informed and RSVP to career events & workshops. LINK
  • Get involved in campus clubs and organizations. Consider part-time jobs (on and off-campus) to begin developing work experience and good working habits and attitudes.  

 

Additional Resources: 

  • Top 10 Strategies for Freshman and Sophomores.  Becoming marketable to employers or graduate schools is a four-year job. Here are the top 10 things you can do during college to make yourself marketable at job-search time.
  • Climb to your Career in Four Years. A plan for getting there.