You made it. Yet while the current state of affairs might have you feeling anxious, scared, or lost, it’s important to recognize the sheer fact that you are here — you are graduating. And regardless of what is happening in the world, your journey has just begun.
The Career Development Center has organized a collection of resources and tools to help guide your post-graduate journey toward career success. Titled EC20 CareerLaunch, these offerings are designed to walk you through the planning and execution of a successful career plan. But enough talk — let’s share some of what you can expect to encounter in the resource, launching next Monday, April 27th, on Canvas.
A Checklist to Graduating
CareerLaunch will cover a variety of topics and action steps necessary for any career seeker. Some of this includes, but is not limited to:
- How to Manage Stress During a Job Search
- Goal Setting 101
- Developing a Targeted Resume (specific to Employer, Career, or a Job)
- How to Nail a Professional Interview
But before getting too deep into resources, we wanted to offer a preview of the Graduating Student Checklist we’re offering students, including a step-by-step guide to what you’ll want to have wrapped up before we get too far into Summer.
Wrap Up Your College To-Do’s:
- Check in with Financial Aid to determine loans and payment options in the future.
- Wrap up loose ends in terms of book/equipment rentals, library books, pending balances.
- Review IT’s Information for info on your email and other online services after Graduation
Determine Timeline & Budget:
- Know your budget scenarios (apartment lease timeframe, location options, expenses including loans)
- Create a budget using the Student Success Money Matters resources
- Have a conversation with family/guardians/roommates to ensure you are sharing your plans with those impacted
Create Goals:
- What are your plans a,b, & c?
- Consider your timeline and budget when mapping your plans (you can move to x location only if you have a job by x date or you can hold out for plan A based on your budget until x date)
Develop Your Brand:
- Using your goals, create a narrative that supports these goals (consider experiences that have related or transferrable skills & create the bridge)
- Update your materials, including resume and cover letter (you may have a few versions to meet each plan and they will update slightly each time you apply
- Think about your online brand and what story it tells if someone were to Google you (LinkedIn, other social, etc.)
- Consider the references that can support you when applying for these types of roles (faculty, supervisors, etc.)
The Search:
- Focus on Research, Networking, and Job Board to support your search
- Develop a schedule for yourself and hold yourself accountable throughout the process
- Stay organized with application materials and follow-up efforts
Next Steps:
- Prepare for the Interview through research and practice
- Send Thank You notes!
- Consider steps for being successful on the job in person or virtually
- Engage with your alumni network
Stay tuned for an official CareerLaunch Announcement on Monday, April 27th, to connect with more Graduating Student Resources!
Contact careers@emerson.edu if you have any questions or needs!
