Four-Year Plan - Student Progress Checklist - Career

First Year: Increase Self-Awareness

  • Make an appointment with a career counselor to complete assessments to link skills, interests and personality type to majors and careers.
  • If exploring majors, register for CNED 100 Effective Career Decision Making.
  • Network! Talk to family, friends, faculty and staff about the nature of their jobs
  • Seek out research, leadership and community service opportunities. Pursue diverse experiences throughout your college years to build your skills, your network and your resume.

Sophomore Year: Explore Careers

  • Explore relevant work experiences such as volunteer, part time work and internships. Use Penn State’s job board, Nittany Lion Career Network.
  • Conduct informational interviews and spend a day shadowing someone in your field of interest. Connect with alumni via www.linkedin.com/alumni.
  • Join a career-related club on campus and consider a leadership role.

Junior Year: Put Your Major to Work

  • Develop a professional resume, cover letter and prepare for interviews. Schedule an appointment with a career coach in 104 Main for assistance.
  • Continue to increase your skills and awareness through meaningful career-related activities and work (informational interviews, job shadowing, volunteer or part-time work, internships, etc.).
  • Register for CNED 280, Job/Internship Search and Professional Skills.
  • Attend Career Events on campus or locally, virtually or at University Park.
  • Use Penn State’s job board, Nittany Lion Career Network to explore jobs and internships. 
  • Connect with alumni via LinkedIn.
  • If considering Grad school, research options, requirements and deadlines. Consult faculty and Career Services.

Senior Year: Preparing for Life Beyond Brandywine

  • Complete internship(s) in your chosen field.
  • Join a professional association related to your chosen field.
  • Begin active job hunting six months in advance. 
  • Update your resume. Collect letters of recommendation and compile reference names.
  • Register for CNED 280, Job/Internship Search and Professional Skills, to prepare for an internship or career.
  • Use Penn State’s job board, Nittany Lion Career Network and www.campusphilly.org to explore job and internship opportunities. 
  • Attend Career Events on campus or locally, virtually or at University Park.
  • If considering Grad school, research options, requirements and deadlines. Consult faculty and Career Services.