Developing a timeline before graduation

Don't wait until your senior year to think about your career! It's important to begin thinking about your future career as soon as you begin your career at UK. A large part of the college experience is finding out who you are and what you will be happy doing. The James W. Stuckert Career Center is available to help you through this process from the beginning to the end. Click on the links below to get some ideas of what you can be doing to hone in on your career!

 

First Year Students

 

  • Get to know the UK Campus resources.
  • Learn about yourself: explore your likes and dislikes: take a variety of courses, get involved with clubs and activities on campus.
  • Get to your know your professors. Begin building long-term relationships.
  • Exploring majors? Take UK101 and/or talk to your academic or career advisor.
  • Take a tour/visit the James W. Stuckert Career Center. Meet with your Career Advisor and learn about the resources available to you.
  • Take on-line career assessments at the Career Center such as SIGI 3 or make an appointment with your Career Counselor.
  • Make a difference: volunteer through the UK Volunteer Center.
  • Find and build relationships with mentors — someone to support you through your college career and beyond. Get to know UK college student leaders and staff members.
  • Meet with your academic advisor twice a semester to learn about what classes to take and how to follow degree requirements.
  • Create a resume; compile writing samples, class projects and other academic and personal successes.
  • Get to know Wildcat CareerLink, your one-stop internship and job opportunity website through the James W. Stuckert Career Center.
  • Plan and begin researching for your summer internship at the beginning of the spring semester.

 

Sophmore Year

 

  • Reflect on your first year experience. What would you do differently? What would you like to explore next related to classes, internships or career-related opportunities?
  • Explore majors and minors. Consider what major(s) you would like to declare.
  • Learn about Education Abroad. Consider building your career portfolio by studying and living abroad.
  • Plan to attend at least two Career Center workshops, Career Fairs and/or employer events. Learn what is available to you for future opportunities.
  • Continue to update your resume with your latest experiences and accomplishments.
  • Visit the Katherine Kemper Career Center library. Get to know resources for internships and future career-related opportunities.
  • Challenge yourself to try new opportunities. Get involved with student organizations and activities such as clubs, or charity events (Dance Blue or UK Fusion or take a Service-Learning class).
  • Make a difference— Think outside the box!
  • Explore undergraduate research opportunities or fellowships.
  • Consider job shadowing an alumni or professional in a career field.
  • Begin to create and establish your plans for the future: write down at least 5 short-term and 5 long-term personal and career goals you would like to achieve.
  • Talk to your Academic Advisor to check in about class selection and progress towards major.
  • Meet with your Career Advisor to prepare for summer internships.
  • Thinking about grad school? Check out the Pre-professional Advising department for more information on how to prepare.

 

Junior Year

 

  • Continue to establish relationships with faculty members in & out of your major.
  • Plan and prepare to do Education Abroad and/or complete at least one internship in an area you are interested in exploring.
  • Get involved: Take a leadership role in sports, club, organization or national-based organizations like Greek or honor societies.
  • Review and evaluate short-term and long- term career and personal goals.
  • Attend graduate school programs sponsored by the Career Center and Pre-Professional Advising Center.
  • Prepare for graduate school: Study and take standardized tests such as LSAT, MCAT, GRE, etc.
  • Update your resume.
  • Strengthen your interviewing skills — sign up for a mock interview through the Career Center.
  • Attend alumni-sponsored events to learn about careers and opportunities after graduation.
  • Prepare for summer by exploring and planning for undergraduate research positions, co-op, internship or summer job opportunities in order develop your skills and gain experience.
  • Develop new skills — learn a language, add new computer skills, take a new class or pursue a hobby or sport.
  • Continue to be involved — volunteer or give back to the community.
  • Take a career exploration class or sign-up for career assessments through the Career Center or Counseling and Testing Center.
  • Keep up your professional development: attend a Career Fair, employer event or workshop sponsored by the Career Center or other organizations on campus.
  • Surf your Wildcat CareerLink account — check out possible employer events, internship & job opportunities.

 

Senior Year

 

  • Check-in with your graduation status — are you on-track for completing your graduation requirements?
  • Meet with your career adviser early in the year to prepare and evaluate graduate school and/or work opportunities after graduation.
  • Review career and personal goals for short-term and long-term — make adjustments as needed.
  • Finalize graduate school applications in Fall semester: identify three references, create personal statements and organize applications, etc.
  • Attend job search workshops and events.
  • Watch and review Wildcat CareerLink for on-campus interviews and job opportunities weekly!
  • Update your resume and practice your interviewing skills.
  • Acquire interview clothes for graduate school and job interviews.
  • Be on top: attend networking events, etiquette dinners and job search and preparation workshops.
  • Prepare and participate in Fall and Spring Career Fairs.
  • Don't give up on your community service — stay involved to keep the right perspective.

Drop-In Hours are held Tuesday-Thursday from 12 - 3 pm at the James W. Stuckert Career Center. Drop-In hours provide students with the opportunity to meet with a counselor for 10 - 15 minutes on a first come, first serve basis. Students can ask quick questions and receive resume and cover letter critiques. No appointment is needed.