Office of Career Preparation

Professional Development Plan

The following plan is a general guideline for your career development.

Freshman

• Register through SOU CareerLink
• Get involved in campus clubs and research volunteer opportunities in the community
• Sign up for an employer presentation to learn more about a career field or industry
• Attend the Career Fair in the spring term to learn about career opportunities, continue to build your professional career network

Sophomore

• Get involved in campus clubs and leadership activities
• Volunteer or intern in the community
• Conduct informational interviews to speak with professionals in your fields of interest
• Sign up for an employer presentation to learn more about a career field or industry
• Attend the Career Fair to learn about career opportunities, continue to build your professional career network
• Interview SOU alumni about their career choices

Junior

• Apply for internships in a career field of interest
• Conduct informational interviews in your career field
• Sign up for an employer presentation to learn more about a career field or industry
• Practice your interviewing skills and receive feedback through a mock interview
• Intern with an employer to gain experience in your desired field
• Join a professional association in your field of interest
• Attend the Career Fair as you continue to build your professional career network
• Research graduate programs

Senior

• Sign up for an employer presentation to learn more about a career field or industry
• Intern with an employer to strengthen your qualifications
• Attend the Career Fair
• Apply for graduate school if desired
• Sign up for on-campus interviews for positions in your field of interest