1) Update Your Career-field Specific Announcements

Time Commitment: 5 Minutes

Log on to WildcatLink, Davidson's job and internship recruiting system, to update your career-field specific e-mail announcements. Once you login go to your Profile and select the Academic tab to choose these preferences.

TO DO:
 Update Your Career Announcements through WildcatLink

2) Investigate your Career Direction

Time Commitment: 2 to 3 Hours

Start by taking our recommended career assessments for Juniors, Focus-2 and SkillScan, which can help you discover careers that could best fit your interests, values, abilities and personality. Even if you know your path, a career assessment can help confirm your decision. Speak with a Career Services career advisor about your assessment results or to take additional assessments such as the Strong Interest Inventory and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

TO DO:
 Take the Focus-2 Assessment (Access Code: wildcat)
 Take the SkillScan Assessment

3) Update and Strengthen Your Résumé

Time Commitment: 5 to 7 Hours

A strong résumé is key to demonstrating your unique skills and work experience to employers. Pursue leadership roles and secure internship experiences to make your résumé stand out. Stop by walk-in hours or make an appointment to review your résumé with a Career Services career advisor. We can work with you over the phone, Skype or email if you happen to be studying abroad.

TO DO:
 Update and Strengthen Your Résumé

4) Secure a Summer Internship

Time Commitment: 10 to 30 Hours

Employers will want to see internship experience on your resume, and this summer is an important time to intern in a field that interests you. Research your options early to make sure you have plenty of time to apply. You will want to complete an internship during the summer between your junior and senior year to increase your competitiveness for full-time jobs. Opportunities are posted throughout the year on WildcatLink, the Nationwide Internships Consortium, and other databases like Idealist.org and internships.com. Set up a meeting with a career advisor who will help lead you through your search for an internship. Appointments can be held over the phone or Skype if you happen to be studying abroad.

TO DO:
 Secure a Summer Internship

5) Prepare for Interviews

Time Commitment: 5 to 7 Hours

An internship interview is an opportunity for your interviewer and you to determine your suitability for the position. It is a two-way evaluation of your fit with the organization. Preparation is key to making a positive impression. Take advantage of the interview preparation resources available to you through Career Services such as mock interviews, InterviewStream and interview coaching from alumni.

TO DO:
 Prepare for Interviews with InterviewStream and Other Resources

6) Update Your LinkedIn Profile and Make Connections

Time Commitment: 2 to 4 Hours

Continue to build a strong professional network that will last during your time at Davidson and beyond. Over 8,000 students and alumni use LinkedIn, and it is the primary tool for building your online, professional brand. Connect with students, alumni and other professionals who can help you better understand career paths and develop leads on internships and other experiences.

TO DO:
 Build Your LinkedIn Profile and Make Connections
 Speak with Davidson Alumni About Your Career Interests

7) Consider a Job Shadowing Experience

Time Commitment: 8 to 12 Hours

Consider shadowing a Davidson alum or parent for one-day over winter break as they go about their day's work. This is a great way to meet a number of professionals and learn about a field of interest. Job Shadowing opportunities will be posted in WildcatLink.

TO DO:
 Consider a Job Shadowing Experience

8) Investigate Graduate and Professional School Options

Time Commitment: 10 to 15 Hours

Between 20 and 25 percent of students enroll in graduate school directly following their Davidson education, but many more apply and are accepted to graduate programs after working for one or more years. Conduct online research on graduate programs and speak with faculty, Davidson alumni and Career Services career advisors about specific plans.

TO DO:
 Investigate Graduate and Professional School Options