"Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory." - Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, author of Don Quixote

This timeline is to be used as a guide. If you find yourself off schedule, you can complete these steps at a later time.

First Year (Freshman Year)

• Visit the Career Center's Student Employment Programs if you need a part-time job
• Develop a strong resume for job applications
• Complete Focus2 to explore your career interests and options
• Meet with a Career Coach to discuss Focus2 results
• Research careers using Focus2 and the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• View Candid Career videos on various career fields
• Obtain a job shadowing or information interview opportunity
• Meet with a faculty member, your Academic Advisor, and a Career Coach to discuss major options
• Ensure that your social media presence is professional
• Learn about co-curricular and community service options

Second Year (Sophomore Year)

• Meet with a Career Coach to discuss how to find internships
• Attend a networking and etiquette dinner
• Continue developing your professional resume
• View Candid Career videos to prepare for the career fair and internship search
• Learn to use Handshake to search for internships
• Join a campus or community organization
• Enroll in an ISU Certificate program to enhance your soft skills and career readiness
• Obtain an internship for the following summer or semester

Third Year (Junior Year)

• Update your resume
• Come to walk-ins for a resume review before mid-terms
• Use Handshake each week to search for internships
• Attend networking events with alumni and with professionals in your career/industry area
• Attend the career fair if you are seeking an internship
• Consider accepting a leadership role in an organization
• Attend employer visits and career exploration trips
• Enroll in an ISU Certificate program to enhance your professional skills and career readiness

Fourth Year (Senior Year)

• Schedule a Career Center appointment to develop a plan for your job search or graduate school application
• Research industries, careers and job vacancies
• Update your professional resume and cover letter
• Identify and ask permission of 3 people who can serve as professional references (faculty, Coaches, supervisors, etc.)
• Develop your list of friends, previous colleagues and other contacts for job leads
• Ensure that your social media presence is professional and designed to assist you with your job search
• Use Handshake each week to search for job vacancies
• View Candid Career videos to learn more about interviewing and salary negotiation
• Attend the career fairs in the fall and spring semesters
• Complete an in-person mock interview with a Career Coach