Career Services

Career Action Planning

First Year - Exploration

• Obtain Career Planning Guide
• Attend career preparation workshops hosted by Career Services
• Explore interests, abilities, and skills through general education coursework
• Take a career assessment in Career Services
• Meet with a career counselor to discuss results of career assessment
• Formulate career ideas/questions
• Join college organizations to broaden campus involvement and develop leadership skills
• Start a career information file or notebook to collect and organize research all in one place
• Identify at least four skills employers want such as excellent communication skills and work towards developing those skills (see Career Services for assistance, if needed)
• Familiarize yourself with the career services web site and available resources at www.lewisu.edu/careerservices
• Investigate “What Can I Do With This Major?” on Career Services web site
• Create an account on JOBNET (www.lewisujobnet.net) to see all career related events on and off campus and to view internships
• Sign up for a Lewis University alumni mentor on JOBNET (www.lewisujobnet.net)

Summer Activities

• Research occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook on the web (www.bls.gov)
• Gain opportunities to job shadow and participate in an informational interview
• Get a part-time job or volunteer in the community in areas similar to career interests

Second Year - Identification

• Attend career preparation workshops hosted by Career Services
• Work towards a leadership position in a student organization
• Join at least one on-campus organization related to your major
• Meet with an academic advisor in Career Services to discuss and declare your major
• Take an introductory class in a major you are considering
• Update your career information file or notebook with new research
• Develop a draft of your resume and have it reviewed by Career Services
• Conduct informational interviews with upper-class students and professionals; ask about; their major and job experiences
• Continue to communicate with an alumni mentor or begin to pursue one

Summer Activities

• Review your options for work and volunteer opportunities during the school year to enhance your work skills and build your resume
• Read one book or biography that relates to a career you find interesting
• Update JOBNET profile (contact Career Services if you forgot your username and password)

Junior Year - Preparation

• Attend career preparation workshops hosted by Career Services
• Review progress in learning and developing four skills employers look for
• Run for leadership positions in clubs and organizations
• Investigate graduate schools and required entrance exams
• Research potential employers online and network with alumni in your selected job market
• Review internship opportunities
• Attend CareerFest (all majors) to explore internship opportunities
• Secure a summer internship
• Update and review your career information file or notebook
• Practice interviewing skills by participating in mock interviews
• Start saving and shopping for your professional wardrobe (see Career Services for examples of professional attire)
• Update your resume and post it on JOBNET
• Gather letters of recommendation from faculty or employers

Summer Activities

• Excel at your summer internship
• Learn all you can about the company you intern with and your career field in general
• Update JOBNET profile
• Continue to communicate with your alumni mentor

Senior Year - Achievement

• Attend career preparation workshops hosted by Career Services
• Develop a contact list of individuals who are willing to serve as professional references
• Visit JOBNET weekly for updates on job fairs and employment opportunities
• Participate in a mock interview with Career Services
• Update and review your career information file or notebook
• Decide on the type of career or graduate program you are seeking
• Attend CareerFest (all majors) or TeacherFest (Education majors)
• Apply to the graduate schools of your choice and register to take required entrance exams
• Read two or more professional or trade publications from your major and/or career field to keep on top of current trends/needs
• Attend on- and off-campus interviewing opportunities
• Gather information on realistic salary expectations at www.salary.com and www.bls.gov
• Follow up on all applications and keep a record of the status of each. Always send a thank you e-mail and/or note within two days after an interview
• Evaluate job offers and accept one
• Report new job title, company and location to Career Services!
• Consider becoming an Alumni Mentor

Lewis University Career Services Office
Located in Benilde Hall inside of LARC

Phone: (815) 836-5282
E-mail: careerservices@lewisu.edu

Web: http://www.lewisu.edu/careerservices

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