Your Future Career

Planning Ahead

By: Emily Salazar, Career Counselor St. Edward’s University

10 Important Considerations A college degree makes you more competitive

The job market will be tight for several more years

You need to pick the right college major

Research careers online and through internships

Develop specific skills such as public speaking, writing, or computer skills, etc.

Study hard; grades do matter

Get involved in volunteer and leadership activities

Monitor your online image and build a professional digital profile

Plan ahead for graduate or professional school

Work with a Career Counselor in college

1. A College Degree Makes You More Competitive

You’ll be qualified for higher-paying jobs

You’ll have more skills: decision-making, analytical thinking, problem-solving, working with teams

2. The Job Market Will Be Tightfor Several More Years

100’s of resumes are received

Resumes are computer scannedfor key words

Only a few are interviewed;only 1 is hired

3. You Need To Pick The Right College Major

Important: “Major” or field of study and “career” are NOT the same

Major is what you study in college for 4 years:

English Writing, Finance, Psychology, etc.

Career is a job title on your business card:

Editor, Retirement Planner, Behavioral Researcher, etc.

Don’t choose a major without studying the curriculum

Choose a major you are going to LOVE to study for 4 years

and one in which you’ll achieve high grades

4. Research Careers Online and Through Internships

Google search: Type “Careers” + the field you want to research

Also do internet search through social media

Interview people in careers of interest(information interviews)

Participate in an internship to experience the field in a real life setting

Careers - Marketing

5. Develop Specific Skills(Examples: public speaking, writing computer skills)

Because of the tight job market

Makes you more versatile & more competitive

Employers are seeking people with multiple skills, such as:

- Bilingual

- Public Speaking

- Business Writing

- Technical: Programming, HTML, graphic/web design…

- Project management/planning

(Sample job description on next slide)

Sample Job DescriptionWhole Foods Market – “Senior Designer”

Responsibil it ies & Qualifications

- Create concepts/designs & coordinate photo shoots

- Perform print production with Adobe Photoshop

- Collaborate with regional directors

- Deliver presentations to client groups

- Bilingual/Spanish is required

- Excellent writing skills; monthly business reports

- Copywriting ability and web design/HTML experience

- Skilled at decision-making, team supervision, and planning

6. Study Hard; Grades Do Matter

Not only for jobs, but also when applying for scholarships, fellowship opportunities, and definitely for graduate school (Master’s degree/Ph.D.) or medical or law school

Employers like high academic achievers, because if they excel in school they will excel in a job

7. Get Involved in Volunteer& Leadership Activities

Employers and graduate schools expect these on your resume

They benefit you: real-life experience; help you decide on future career

How many of these do you have on your resume already? Officer (or member) of student organization(s) Student government Community service/volunteer work Study abroad Part-time job(s) Athletic activities Creative/artistic/theater experiences Public speaking in the community Mentoring or tutoring youth Environmental activities Free lance writer or blogger Cultural immersion experiences

8. Monitor Your Online Image &Build a Professional Digital Profile

What will an employer find if he/she Googles your name?

Do you have a professional e-mail address?

Do you have a professional photo on social media?

9. Plan Ahead for Graduate or Professional School

Are any of these in your future? Master’s Degree Ph.D. Medical, Law, Dental, Veterinary, Pharmacy School

If so, start planning ahead. Applications are due a year before you plan to enter the school. They will require: High GPA and transcripts High score on admissions test like GRE or MCAT or LSAT Leadership and community service on your resume Curriculum Vitae (CV) instead of a resume – more academic and research

focused Personal statement/essay Letters of recommendation

10. Work With a Career Counselor in College

Career Counselors help you: Decide on a major or career Offer career assessments of: personality, interests, skills, values Explore career opportunities Help you find internships Help you with resumes, interviewing and job search Help you apply to graduate or professional school Provide career workshops, and recruiting and networking opportunities

You shouldn’t wait until senior year to visit Career Services

Career Counselors help you plan ahead and help you develop a competitive career profile and resume

It’s part of your college fees, so take advantage of it!

In Conclusion

Following these suggestions will ensure that you are on the path to a successful career. Good luck!