"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." --Lao Tzu

For many students, deciding what to do after graduation is an overwhelming responsibility. You might be afraid of making a "bad choice" or not know how to get started.  Whether you are considering graduate school or planning to begin a job search, making decisions about the future is a tough task. The Career Services Office recommends a comprehensive approach to career planning that should begin in your first year at Rollins. 

First, you are encouraged to assess your values, interests, and skills. You must have a thorough understanding of yourself before you proceed. Are you able to identify careers that seem to be congruent with your personal traits and skills? If not, meet with a career counselor to discuss your personal assessment. A counselor may recommend career testing or specific readings to help you in this process. After you have completed a thorough self-assessment, you should then explore career options. Research possible occupations by examining the job outlook, educational requirements, salary information, and advancement opportunities. Much of this research can be completed using Career Resources Online or through an informational interview.  At the same time you are researching career fields, you can also begin to gain practical, relevant experience through internships, part-time jobs, study abroad, campus clubs and community service activities.  These experiences can help you confirm your career interests and develop transferable skills you will need in any workplace. Finally, you will be ready to practice your interviewing skills and apply for job openings.

The four year approach described below gives you recommendations for each year you are at Rollins, from your first year to your senior year. Don’t be discouraged if you are a senior and have not completed the recommendations for earlier years. Although it would be ideal for you to complete the recommendations in the assigned year, the plan’s recommendations are not etched in stone. When it comes to career planning, it’s better to start late than to never start at all. While you may be tempted to skip ahead to your specific academic year, please begin reading with the first year section. Just as upper level classes build upon prerequisite classes, each section of the career plan builds upon the preceding one.

FIRST YEAR - EXPLORE

• Explore different classes, including service-learning courses, and get involved in student organizations.   

• Visit the Career Services Office, meet the staff, and explore the Web site to learn about general resources

• Participate in community service and learn about different campus organizations you may want to join

• Browse the Career Resource Library for career-related information

• Attend a resume writing workshop and create a resume for summer and part-time jobs

• Review the part-time jobs on Jobs for Tars in the R-CareerLink system

• Enroll in the Academic and Career Planning course during the spring semester

• Attend the Major/Minor Fair

• Read the Career Quest e-newsletter for upcoming workshops and events

SOPHOMORE YEAR - EDUCATE

• Become involved in student chapters of professional organizations and campus groups

• Research various occupations utilizing the Career Resource Library and Career Resource Online

• Update your resume to include volunteer experiences, student organizations, and part-time jobs

• Review the job listings on Jobs for Tars in R-CareerLink and apply for a summer internship

• Take career assessment tests to learn more about your interests, skills, and personality

• Conduct informational career interviews with Career Connections alumni and family/friends

• Attend graduate school programs and learn about the graduate school admission process

• Enroll in the Academic and Career Planning course

• Attend Career Expo to find summer internships and part-time jobs

• Read the Career Quest e-newsletter for upcoming workshops and events

JUNIOR YEAR - EXPERIENCE

• Get involved with campus/community organizations to enhance your leadership skills

• Collect and read information on graduate school admission

• Attend an internship information session and apply for an academic internship

• Revise your resume to include internships and have Career Services critique it

• Conduct informational career interviews with alumni in your field of interest

• Take practice admissions tests and identify potential graduate programs

• Attend workshops on resume writing, cover letters, and interviewing techniques

• Visit the Career Services Web site to find job search links for various career fields

• Find internships and part-time work at Career Expo

• Read the Career Quest e-newsletter for upcoming workshops and events

SENIOR YEAR - ENACT

• Polish your final resume and prepare cover letters to apply for jobs

• Complete required admissions tests and submit graduate school applications

• Ask employers, advisors, and professors to serve as references

• Read R-CareerLink e-mail messages and review job postings

• Attend senior job search workshops and employer information sessions

• Research employers and take advantage of on-campus recruiting opportunities

• Participate in a videotaped mock interview on InterviewStream in R-CareerLink to practice your interviewing skills

• Utilize the Career Connections alumni network to conduct informational interviews

• Attend Career Expo to network with employers and find full-time positions

• Read the Career Quest e-newsletter for upcoming workshops and events