Make A Plan

A Career is a journey, not a destination.

Utilize this checklist to serve as a roadmap to make sure you stay on track in your career planning.

Explore

Meet with an ACES advisor to get help with your career planning and management.
Create a professional profile on Handshake and familiarize yourself with its capabilities.
Identify your career interests, values, personality and skills by using FOCUS 2, a free online self-assessment, or Strengths Quest.
Choose a major with the assistance of your academic advisor and/or your ACES advisor.
Explore career options that align with potential majors.
Identify and research companies/organizations/industries you would like to work for.
Read internship/job descriptions to get ideas of career paths.
Learn about campus resources and get involved in student clubs and organizations. Perhaps take on a leadership role.
Consider volunteering, study abroad, alternative spring break, etc. to round out your experiences.

Prepare

Attend career workshops to learn about a variety of career topics.
Understand the application process for internships and jobs.
Create a résumé and cover letter and have an ACES advisor review them.
Identify which of the NACE career competencies you possess and which you need to develop.
Develop interview skills and practice by doing a mock interview with an ACES advisor.
Create a record-keeping system for jobs, websites and employers of interest.
Identify three professional references.
Plan for summer: think about internships, summer employment, or volunteering.
If considering graduate studies, prepare for admissions by becoming familiar with the timelines and requirements of various programs.

Engage

Participate in experiential learning: internships, research, study abroad, or job opportunities in your field of interest.
Dress for success by expanding your wardrobe to include career-appropriate clothing.
Create a professional LinkedIn profile and use the site for networking purposes.
Participate in career fairs, company information sessions and job shadows.
Develop a brief and persuasive speech/pitch to spark employers’ interest in you.
Stay current on trends in your field by reading articles and joining professional groups on LinkedIn.
Expand your network by joining a professional association and attending networking events.
Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your field; start with UMass Boston alumni via LinkedIn.
Develop a relationship with one or more career mentors.

Transition

Work with an ACES advisor to learn how to manage job offers, negotiate salaries and how to interpret company benefit packages.
Research what it takes to be successful on your first career job or speak with recent alums.
Consider further education and professional development/training.
Stay connected with UMass Boston after graduating—alumni have full access to all career services.
Continue to educate yourself about the state of the labor market, your industry, and employers in your targeted region.
Pursue networking and career-related opportunities.
Maintain a good relationship with past employers and professors who are serving as references.
Update your job search records: employers, websites, and positions for which you have applied.