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Being in graduate school can be intimidating. With a plan, it can be much less intimidating and make each task seem possible. These Career Development Plans breakdown suggestions for tasks that can help you feel prepared when you graduate and go into the workforce. Choose a year below to learn more.

 Master's Degree                                                                  Doctoral Degree

  • First Year

    Start Networking

    • Attend UWG Career Services programs • Join local chapters of professional associations related to your chosen field • Create (or update) a LinkedIn profile and start building your professional network • Attend a conference within your area of study

    Gain Experience

    • Create a resume / CV and seek feedback from a UWG Career Services staff member • Attend UWG career fairs and other recruiting events to chat with employers about employment opportunities • Seek out internship / research / teaching opportunities within your field using your network of faculty, colleagues, friends, family and UWG Career Services

    Research Career Options

    • Visit UWG Career Services on the 3rd floor of Row Hall to complete career assessments to help determine interests, values, and personality type; meet with your Career Counselor to discuss your results • Research career options using Handshake, Buzzfile, company websites, and other reputable websites.

     

  • Second Year

    Explore Career Options

    • Conduct informational interviews with people in potential careers to learn about options • Shadow professionals in chosen field of interest by getting involved in the Externship program • Determine your top career choices and top employers

    Stay Involved & Strengthen Your Network

    • Interact with guest speakers and college personnel to create connections • Become a leader in graduate student organizations or professional associations related to your chosen field • Attend or present at a conference within your area of study using graduate student travel grants funds from the UWG Graduate School • Continue attending Career Services programs and workshops

    Strengthen Skills & Knowledge

    • Complete an internship/practicum or secure a career-related part-time job • Strengthen your interviewing skills by scheduling a mock interview with UWG Career Services • Read articles and journals to become familiar with career trends and areas of opportunity

    Job Search

    • Update your resume/CV and have it reviewed by UWG Career Services, a professor in your field, and/or an industry professional • Create a timeline for your job search with deadlines for completing certain tasks • Create a document to keep track of all jobs you’ve applied for • Determine references (faculty, supervisors, etc.) and provide them with a copy of your resume/ CV and other pertinent job information • Request recommendations on LinkedIn to strengthen your profile • Participate in Career Services career fairs and other recruiting events related to areas of interest • Meet with UWG Career Services to discuss salary negotiation • Complete the Career Services First Destination Survey to tell us what you are doing after graduation • Graduate and Celebrate!!

  • First & Second Year

    Research Career Options

    • Visit UWG Career Services on the 3rd floor of Row Hall to complete career assessments to help determine interests, values, and personality type; meet with your Career Counselor to discuss your results • Research career options using Handshake, Buzzfile, company websites, and other reputable websites.

    Build Your Network

    • Join a graduate student organization or volunteer in an area of your interest • Attend Career Services programs and graduate student workshops • Join local chapters of professional associations related to your chosen field • Create a LinkedIn profile and start building your professional network • Attend a conference within your area of study

    Gain Experience

    • Create a resume/CV and seek feedback from UWG Career Services staff member • Attend Career Services career fairs and other recruiting events to chat with employers about employment opportunities • Seek out internship/research / teaching opportunities within your field by using your network of faculty, colleagues, friends, family, and UWG Career Services

  • Third & Fourth Year

    Explore Career Options

    • Conduct informational interviews with people in potential careers to learn about options • Shadow professionals in chosen field of interest by getting involved in the Externship program

    Stay Involved & Strengthen Your Network

    • Update your LinkedIn profile and request recommendations to strengthen your profile • Obtain leadership role(s) in a graduate student organization or professional association related to your chosen field • Attend or present at a conference within your area of study using graduate student travel grants funds from the UWG Graduate School • Attend UWG Career Services programs and student workshops

    Strengthen Experience & Knowledge

    • Update your resume/ CV • Complete internship, research, or teaching opportunities or a career-related part-time job • Strengthen your interviewing skills by scheduling a mock interview with UWG Career Services• Read articles and journals to become familiar with career trends and areas of opportunity

  • Final Year

    Narrow Your Career Choices

    • Determine your top career choices and top employers based on research and interests

    Job Search

    • Update your resume/ CV and have it reviewed by a UWG Career Services staff member, professor in your field, and/ or an industry professional • Create a timeline for your job search with deadlines for completing certain tasks • Determine references (faculty, supervisors, etc.) and provide them with a copy of your resume/ CV and other relevant job information • Research employers through company websites and social media accounts • Participate in UWG career fairs and other recruiting events related to areas of interest • Meet with UWG Career Services to discuss salary negotiation • Complete the UWG Career Services First Destination Survey to tell us what you are doing after graduation • Graduate and Celebrate!!