Four Year Career Guide
University of the Incarnate Word Four Year Career Development Initiative
Career Services has partnered with various offices across campus to create an initiative to help students create and enhance their Four Year Career Development Plan (pdf). Our office offers programs and services for students in each classification to foster self-awareness, encourage major and career exploration, and provide the proper resources to increase student employability and Cardinal Career readiness!.
Discover (First Year)
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- Complete the Focus2 Career Assessment to understand how your skills, interests, and values relate to careers Access Code: cardinal
- Meet with a Career Advisor about possible career interest areas related to your major
- Start to define a strategy for reaching your career goals
- Activate and complete your Handshake account
- Join a student organization that is related to your major or intended career – (great way to build a friendship network too!)
- Attend at least one to two Career Services events and career fairs to begin to feel comfortable and confident with employer interaction and building your network
Develop (Second Year)
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- Update your resume (pdf) and Handshake account with experiences from fall, spring or summer
- Create cover letter with Career Advisor
- Begin to practice your interview skills with a Career Advisor
- Attend Career Services events and career fairs to learn about upcoming opportunities
- Conduct an informational interview with a professional, faculty member, or mentor to learn the realities of your intended career
- View internships posted in Handshake , identify job titles of potential interest
- Consider career-related experience through an externship, internship, co-op, research, or volunteer position
- Consider a leadership position in those organizations or a volunteer position
Experience (Third Year)
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- Update your a resume (pdf) and Handshake account with experiences from fall, spring, and summer
- Decide if graduate or professional school is necessary to reach your career goals, if so, work with a Career Advisor to start planning
- Prepare and research entrance exams if applicable
- Conduct research to determine the types of entry-level positions for which you might qualify
- Learn appropriate attire and interview skills for recruitment events
- Attend Career Services’ Suit Up Night to purchase business professional suit and accessories
- Fine tune your interview skills by attending Professional Development Day and schedule 1:1 Mock Interview sessions or practice utilizing the Optimal Resume platform
- Continue informational interviews
- Complete at least one professional development; internship or co-op to gain experience and build your resume
- Create an account and professional network via LinkedIn (pdf) or professional organizations
- Identify potential mentor to help you be successful in your professional development opportunities
Implement (Fourth Year)
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- Update your resume (pdf) and Handshake account with experiences from fall, spring, and summer
- Consider reviewing and evaluating all digital platforms for a more professional presence
- Take advantage of FREE professional headshots provided by the Office of Career Services
- Fine-tune your cover letter and resume with a Career Advisor
- Schedule a mock interview to prepare for a full-time job or graduate/professional school interviews
- Meet with Career Advisor to identify full-time job opportunities and finalize your job search plan
- Identify professionals willing to serve as references and write letters of recommendation
- Make necessary changes to Handshake profile (email address) 2 months prior to graduation
- Attend Career Services events and career fairs to learn about career opportunities and continue to build your network
To schedule an appointment call (210) 829-3931 OR come by our office in the Student Engagement Center, Suite 3030
