Career Development Checklists

Freshman Year

This is the year to explore careers.

† Take a career assessment and research major and career options. (An assessment of personal interests, values, abilities and temperament is very beneficial, even for the student who has already decided on a major.)

† Sample several campus and community organizations, but only select one or two during the freshman year to begin networking with others.

† Familiarize yourself with available campus resources and activities and how they can benefit you.

† Gain experience through part-time and summer opportunities.

† Participate in the Take Flight/Job Shadowing program.

† Maintain focus on academic success and a strong GPA.

Sophomore Year

By sophomore year, a student should re-confirm their major through career exploration, major course classes, job shadows and informational interviews.

† Continue researching what job opportunities the chosen major may facilitate.

† Conduct informational interviews to help you focus your career goals and to obtain real world information.

† Make an intentional effort to get to know some professors, administrators and staff on a personal basis.

† Settle on one club or organization in which to become more involved.

† Meet with your Career Coach and research occupations online.

† Explore resources and work with the Career Center professionals to build your resumé to reflect recently gained experience.

† Gain experience through co-op and internship opportunities.

† Attend Career Fairs and Information Sessions.

Junior Year

† Consider studying abroad.

† Seek a leadership position in your favorite club or organization.

† Meet with your Career Coach to review your resumé and discuss job search strategies.

† Gather career information from employers that interest you.

† Begin to explore additional educational opportunities — consider the option of graduate school versus entering the workforce upon graduation.

† Prepare for graduate school testing (if applicable).

† Gain some volunteer experience.

† Seek another internship through your department or through the Career Center.

† Attend Career Fairs and Information Sessions.

Senior Year

† Visit with your academic advisor immediately to ensure that your degree plan is correct and up to date, and that you will meet all the requirements for graduation by the end of the year.

† Remain active in campus, civic and professional organizations.

† Apply for graduate school early, if you plan to continue your education.

† If you do not plan to continue, prepare to make the transition from student to employee.

† Check your Handshake account for job postings and on-campus interview opportunities with the Career Center.

† Finalize your career choices.

† Revise your resumé with a Career Coach, and practice a mock interview.

† Develop and execute a plan to network and interview in a target company as extensively as possible each month.

† Apply for all professional job opportunities of interest. (Start at least six to nine months prior to graduation.)

Career Center

Sage Hall, Suite 202

Denton, TX 76203

Telephone: (940) 565-2105

Fax: (940) 565-4376 careercenter@unt.edu careercenter.unt.edu