FIRST YEAR

Consider possibilities - explore your interests and skills

• Think about the topics, activities, and work-related tasks you are good at and particularly enjoy
• Take different classes that interest you, and notice which courses you find particularly interesting: the lectures, the readings, the discussions
• Review the Undergraduate Course Catalog for the majors at USD
• Watch videos and read about careers of tentative interest
• Attend student organization meetings in areas that interest you
• Attend the Majors Fair in the Spring to talk to faculty and upper-division students about USD’s 42 majors and 50 minors
• Create a resume and visit Career Services for guidance
• Register with ToreroLink to search for a summer job or internship that will be enjoyable and challenging

SECOND YEAR

Prepare for the future - start making decisions about career options

• Having trouble deciding on a major? See a career counselor to discuss your options: you may want to play the Majors Game or take a career assessment
• Get more involved in campus activities: sharpen your leadership and teamwork skills through deeper involvement in a student organization
• Introduce yourself to professionals presenting in your classes or student organizations; collect business cards and follow up with thank-you notes or requests for short informational meetings
• Connect with alumni through the USD Student Alumni Association and Knowledge Transfer programs
• If your schedule allows and it won't interfere with your schoolwork - consider getting a part-time job on campus
• Volunteer through course-based service-learning, USD’s Center for Community Service Learning, University Ministry or a student organization
• Revise your resume and visit Career Services for feedback
• "Like" USD Career Services on Facebook and visit the Career Services Career Blog regularly

• Find a summer experience (job, internship, volunteer) to try out a field that interests you

THIRD YEAR

Time for action - develop your Career Action Plan

• Meet with a career counselor to develop a career action plan: this may include taking interest inventories, researching jobs online, or talking with alumni, family and faculty
• Update your resume and learn how to write a cover letter
• Create a Linkedin profile by viewing sample profiles for USD students
• Select a conservative suit to wear to professional events and interviews
• Review typical interview questions and guidelines, and learn how to meet and greet
• Practice interviewing with a career counselor or by using InterviewStream
• Get an internship by attending the Internship Fair, exploring ToreroLink, or talking to your contacts through the USD Alumni Association or elsewhere
• If you’re considering graduate or professional school, attend the Graduate School Fair and start researching programs, requirements, and admissions deadlines

• Use ToreroLink and attend the Internship Fair to find an internship that relates to your major and career

FOURTH YEAR

Finalize your plans - apply for jobs or graduate school

• Meet with a career counselor and attend workshops on Job Search Strategies and Interviewing Skills to make a plan for finding your first job
• Update your resume and strengthen your cover letter
• Fine-tune your Linkedin profile and start networking with USD alumni and others in your field of interest
• Participate in different internships that will broaden your experience
• Submit your resume to employers for On-Campus Interviewing starting in the Fall
• Apply to graduate and professional schools and request letters of reference well in advance of deadlines
• Schedule information interviews with alumni or other professionals to learn about different positions and industries: use the Torero Network, LinkedIn, professional associations, friends, family and faculty for leads
• Attend the Career Expo and other specialty career events on campus
• Use Career Services as a resource as you transition into your career