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
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First Year
Start Networking
• Attend Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections
Research Career Options
• Visit the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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.
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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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections • 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections, 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 Office of Career and Graduate School Connections career fairs and other recruiting events related to areas of interest • Meet with the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections to discuss salary negotiation • Graduate and Celebrate!!
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First & Second Year
Research Career Options
• Visit the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 an Office of Career and Graduate School Connections staff member • Attend the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections
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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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections• Read articles and journals to become familiar with career trends and areas of opportunity
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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 an Office of Career and Graduate School Connections 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 the Office of Career and Graduate School Connections to discuss salary negotiation • Graduate and Celebrate!!