A comprehensive job search plan contains:
Use as a resource our Job Search Plan worksheet.
Schedule time with us to polish your job search plan.

“I've participated in the Facebook Creator Economy Practicum, which I discovered through an information session led by the professional development center. And this summer, I will intern at Eli Lilly. I landed this internship through the School of Management Employers Forum (SMEF) career fair.”
Katarina Nikolovski, Marketing '23
Keep developing your skills! This, of course, never ends. Keep building the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness competencies employers are looking for in their interns and new hires.
With your GPA being only one measurement of your skills and knowledge -- and not a particularly impactful one -- your career development is at least as important as your grades. Put as much thought and effort into your professional development as you do your coursework!
Career readiness competencies are embedded within and achieved through curriculum and co-curricular activities. Peer and alumni mentorships are also available to further provide competency development opportunities.
Career and Self-Development
Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Professionalism
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Critical Thinking
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Equity & Inclusion
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different local and global cultures. Engage in anti-racist practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
With your plan developed, you can prepare to communicate your brand through your resume, your LinkedIn profile, and your participation in career fairs. Your story comes to life only when all the pieces are working in concert. Meet with center consultants and peer consultants to polish these items. Our consultants know what employers are looking for and can give you that insider knowledge to stand out among the crowd.
Discover the best practices for an impactful LinkedIn profile.
Prepare for upcoming career fairs. Market your personal brand and find future employers by talking to company representatives on campus.
Make your resume standout with these power verbs and functional skill suggestions.
Increase your job prospects with these cover letter tips.
Some traits of working at a small company include:
When considering where to apply, think about whether this type of organization could be right for you.
Are you looking for more from your future career than just a steady income? Do you find the traditional employment track unappealing? Do you want the chance to make a real impact in your community or even the world? Then a career in the nonprofit sector may be the answer.
Working in a nonprofit can be both challenging and fulfilling. Although you may not have to worry about meeting sales goals, you may face more limited resources. Employees in nonprofits can often experience quicker career advancement, but they may not make as much money as those in a for-profit business.
If you’re interested in working in a nonprofit, talk to others in the field and consider scheduling an appointment with directors of various nonprofits.