Freshman Year

Why do you want to be in college? What resources can help you? What are your goals? What can you do right now to achieve your goals? Familiarize yourself with the student handbook and Undergraduate Catalog. Speak up and contribute in your classes. Review your iCAP and speak with your academic advisor. Do you have any ideas about potential majors? Any thoughts about possible careers? What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Visit the Center for Career and Professional Development. Talk to professionals in your areas of interests. Consider internships, job shadowing, and volunteer work.

Sophomore Year

Have you decided on a major? What about a minor? Don’t stress too much, but be narrowing in on an idea. This should be an informed decision, not an impulse. Have you visted the Learning Center? Have any of your Colonnade classes sparked an interest that could turn into a major? Are there volunteer opportunities? Are you meeting regularly with your advisor? Are you building professional relationships with your professors? It’s never too early to start thinking of references and letters of recommendation. Have you considered Study Abroad?

Junior Year

How do you like your major? Is it everything you’d thought it would be? It’s ok to make a change. Speak with your advisor and run a What-If iCAP audit. Always know your options. Do you have a résumé? This is your junior year and you’re over half-way finished – are you adding lines to your résumé? Are you involved in student groups? Do you have three people in mind to serve as professional references? Keep in touch with the Center for Career and Professional Development. Check your iCAP regularly and meet with your advisor often.

Senior Year

Have you met with your advisor to go through your iCAP with a finetoothed comb? If you need any exception forms, have those been filed with the appropriate offices? Is your résumé typo-free? Do you have cover letters that are application specific? Have you confirmed your references? Are you participating in mock interviews? Have you considered graduate school? What about another internship? Have you applied for graduation? Do your cap and gown fit?