Career Game Plan
A champion always has a strategy, and good coaches help athletes make the plan to win.
Likewise, the Ä¢¹½tv Career and Professional Development Center provides students with coaching and support for finding a rewarding career that will support a fulfilling life. Use this checklist to stay on track and ahead of the competition throughout your career at Ä¢¹½tv and beyond. See us in the CPDC to learn how life design—the framework for planning and building a meaningful, fulfilling career and life—can positively impact you and your future.
Download a copy of the Career Game Plan
Year One: Explore (Rookie)
Top Five Tips
- Visit the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC). Follow us on social media.
- Meet with a career coach and faculty advisor, mentor, or navigator.
- Join an organization.
- Draft a résumé.
- Attend a graduate school fair
Bonus Points
- Do volunteer work.
- Take a career/personality assessment, using the Focus 2 tool. Log in to MyÄ¢¹½tv, go to Discover, and search "job".
- Get a part-time job.
- Talk with people in jobs that interest you to learn from their experiences. (Also known as an informational interview or prototype conversation.)
- Identify at least four skills employers look for and plan how you will acquire those skills before graduation.
- Activate your profile (iup.joinhandshake.com).
- Work with the CPDC to complete your collegeview/workview/lifeview.
- Through the CPDC, learn how life design and professional development can positively impact you and your future.
Year Two: Focus (Semi-Pro)
Top Five Tips
- Meet with a career coach and faculty advisor, mentor, or navigator.
- Review strengths and identify opportunities to enhance/develop skills, including skills that set you apart.
- Commit to a major before year three.
- Research career options related to your chosen major.
- Update your résumé.
Bonus Points
- Begin a master résumé that includes all experiences.
- Draft your (your 30-second self-branding pitch).
- Attend networking events, career/internship/graduate school fairs, or MeetUps.
- Conduct informational interviews/prototype conversations with employers.
- Develop leadership skills (e.g., chair a committee).
- Prepare to participate in a work/study-away program (e.g., The Washington Center, Disney College Program, study abroad).
- Consider a minor, concentration, or research opportunity to complement your major.
- Find a summer work experience that relates to your career path.
- Participate in events and programs related to your desired career.
- Utilize CPDC resources such as and .
Year Three: Prepare (Pro)
Top Five Tips
- Meet with a career coach and faculty advisor, mentor, or navigator.
- Update your résumé.
- Develop a profile.
- Attend networking events.
- Engage in formal practical professional experiences (e.g., internship, practicum, research).
Bonus Points
- Assume a leadership role in an organization.
- Create a business card for networking.
- Attend networking events, career/internship/graduate school fairs, or MeetUps.
- Explore graduate school options; take the appropriate admissions exams.
- Improve your interviewing skills by participating in the CPDC Mock Interview Program and/or Big Interview.
- Participate in job shadowing.
- Begin building your professional wardrobe (visit the Crimson Closet).
- Conduct informational interviews/ prototype conversations.
- Participate in the CPDC business and dining etiquette program.
Year Four: Act (All-Star)
Top Five Tips
- Meet with a career coach and faculty advisor, mentor, or navigator.
- Start your job search or graduate school application process six to nine months before graduation.
- Target your résumé and cover letters to specific positions; have them reviewed by the CPDC.
- Research employers and apply for positions; create an application tracking sheet and follow up.
- Attend career/internship/graduate school fairs or MeetUps.
Bonus Points
- Update your elevator speech.
- Continue to network with alumni and professionals in your field.
- Identify professors, work supervisors, and advisors who can serve as professional references.
- Update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.
- Attend CPDC programming (Career Ready Seminar Series, Professional Panel Series).
- Refer others to the CPDC.
- Seek opportunities for professional development.
Year Five and Beyond: Thrive (Hall of Fame)
Top Five Tips
- Complete the Ä¢¹½tv Graduate First Destination Survey.
- Join a professional organization.
- Encourage your employer to recruit at Ä¢¹½tv.
- Continue to network with students, alumni, and other professionals when possible.
- Attend Ä¢¹½tv Alumni events and share your knowledge to help other alumni and future Ä¢¹½tv graduates.
Bonus Points
- Regularly update your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
- Identify a mentor in your profession.
- Set goals to advance your career.
- Use Ä¢¹½tv CPDC services.
- Discuss with your supervisor ways to advance your career.
- Consider an advanced degree or professional certificate.
- Donate your time, talent, and treasures to Ä¢¹½tv CPDC Foundation Funds: Career and Professional. Development (8080), Internship Support Initiative (8580), and Professional Clothing-Career Closet (8581).
- Keep your career and contact information up-to-date with the Ä¢¹½tv Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement.