Four-Year Plan for Success
Your college journey involves careful planning to achieve your academic and career goals. To help guide you through each year of college, we outlined strategic actions you can take to align your academic pursuits with your career aspirations. The Four-Year Plan for Success also highlights AU resources and services that can support you every step of the way.
- Work with your academic advisor to set your academic plan for your intended career track.
- Talk with a career counselor about your career interests, and set career goals.
- Explore possible second majors, minors, or pre-professional programs.
- Research whether your chosen career track requires additional certifications, licenses, or graduate degrees.
- Ask a career counselor about informational interviews or job shadow opportunities.
- Meet with Career Services to start developing a professional resume.
- Get involved with at least one campus event, organization, or sport to develop leadership and organizational skills.
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your major and clarify program requirements.
- Develop your leadership and other career readiness skills through campus and community involvement.
- Participate in community service or Social Impact Trips to explore your career interests.
- Hone your communication skills by taking a writing or communication course.
- Explore careers through job shadowing and informational interviews with professionals in the field related to your interests.
- Use online career resources to search for internships and job openings.
- If you're interested in graduate school, make a list of potential programs, including their prerequisites and admission requirements. Connect with your academic advisor to ensure your academic plan matches the requirements.
- Meet with your academic advisor to ensure you are on track for your anticipated graduation date.
- Update your resume and meet with a career counselor for a formal review.
- Secure an internship to explore a chosen profession and gain hands-on experience in the workplace.
- Establish your profile with a professional photo on LinkedIn and other career-related sites.
- During Junior Mentoring, talk with faculty members in your major about your intended career track and to gain more knowledge about the field.
- If you are pursuing graduate school, start preparing for any required entrance exams (e.g., GRE, LSAT, MCAT).
- Attend interviewing, resume, and job search workshops.
- Check-in with your academic advisor to make sure you are on track for graduation.
- Build your professional network through events like career and alumni panels and the AU Career Fair.
- Update your resume with your internship experience and transferable skills.
- Perfect your interviewing skills by participating in a mock interview.
- Finalize any graduate school applications.
- Secure letters of recommendation.
- Meet with your career counselor to review your personal statement and other application materials.
- Tailor your cover letter and resume for specific job applications.
- Share your post-graduation plans with Career Services.
Connect with the Crouse Center and Career Services
Use this contact information below to set up appointments with the Career Services and the Crouse Center for Academic Advising throughout your time at AU.
Crouse Center for Academic Advising
aurora.edu/crousecenter
advise@aurora.edu
630-844-6870
Career Services
aurora.edu/career
career@aurora.edu
630-844-5403