CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN CHECKLIST
Exploration: GATEWAY ADVISING & MAJOR EXPLORATION CENTER
WDE 1900, 660-543-4721

Visit the Gateway Center’s GPS (Gateway Peer Support) Mentoring and Advising Program for walk-in assistance with
major exploration and class self-enrollment. GPS Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 1-4 PM.
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Schedule a Career Counseling appointment at the Gateway Center for professional, individualized assistance in choosing
your program of study and identifying your career options.
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Enroll in AE1410 “Exploring Majors and Careers,” a one-credit class offering direction and insight into your major options and
career direction.
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Identify and explore your interests, abilities, and work values through career assessments and/or other activities. Selfassessments are available through FOCUS, an online career and education planning system (ucmo.edu/gateway/focus).
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Explore career options, potential employers, and affiliated organizations for every UCM major through the “What Can I Do
with This Major” link (ucmo.edu/career).
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Explore coursework in areas of interest by reviewing your undergraduate catalog (ucmo.edu/academics/catalogs) for
course descriptions and major requirements.
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Network: talk with family members, friends, roommates, classmates, and others about potential majors and career fields.

Schedule informational interviews / job shadows with faculty and professionals in areas of interest and develop a method
for keeping track of your contacts.
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Schedule a job shadow in the area of your interest. Contact the Career Services Center (660-543-4985, WDE 1200)
for assistance.

Declare your major! Schedule an appointment with your Career Counselor for referral to the Academic Advisor, Academic
Department, and Career Development Coordinator for your new program of study.
Additional Recommendations

Dedicate yourself to doing well academically – classroom success translates to career success. Attend every class. Get to
know your professors. Use campus resources, such as the Student Success Center (JCK Library 3150, 660-543-8972). Don’t be
afraid to ask for help!

Meet with your Academic Advisor each semester to discuss major requirements, develop your four-year academic plan,
and ensure you are on track to graduate (Contact information can be found on your MyCentral homepage) .

Seek out volunteer opportunities in areas of interest to gain valuable experience while making a difference. Visit Volunteer
Services (UN 217, ucmo.edu/osa/volunteer).
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Explore the Office of Student Activities (ucmo.edu/osa) to identify student organizations and opportunities for involvement.
Join your Major student organization and seek out leadership roles.
Action Plan
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN CHECKLIST
Experience:
CAREER SERVICES CENTER WDE 1200, 660-543-4985

Schedule an appointment with your Career Development Coordinator to discuss career and/or graduate school
opportunities related to your program of study and develop a strategy for your career development plan.

Begin or continue to develop your resume. Resources and assistance are available through Career Services
(ucmo.edu/career/students/resources).
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Start developing a cover letter and reference sheet. Guides are available under the “Resources” tab on the Career Services
website (ucmo.edu/career/students/resources).
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Drop by during the Career Services Center’s Quik Tip Walk-In Hours, Mondays-Thursdays, 1-4 PM for walk-in help with
resume/cover letter review and/or quick career questions.
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Access your Mules4Hire account (ucmo.edu/career/students) to apply for on-campus and work-study student jobs.
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Visit the Career Services website (ucmo.edu/career) to discover and explore resources to support your job search.

Continually gain and refine valuable, on-the-job experience and leadership skills through part-time and summer
employment, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations.

Research employers who conduct on-campus interviews through the Career Services website (ucmo.edu/career) or
Mules4Hire. Identify potential employers who might hire someone with your skills and background.

Schedule a mock interview with the Career Services Center and learn the necessary skills for successful interviewing.

Secure an internship, practicum, part-time job, or volunteer opportunity in your field of study or related industry.
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Attend career events, workshops, and panels offered by the Career Services Center.
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Start building your professional wardrobe.
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Develop a professional digital image on LinkedIn; update your online profile as necessary. Check your social media
accounts for information that doesn’t fit your professional image.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Schedule an appointment with your departmental internship coordinator (if your major requires an internship for credit).

Join professional organizations in the field you are pursuing and continue to build relationships with professors, advisors, and
supervisors. Seek out leadership roles at every opportunity.

Consider an international experience. Study abroad or identify international internship opportunities (UN 302,
ucmo.edu/international).
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Begin researching graduate school options, if considering attending graduate school.
ACTION PLAN
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN CHECKLIST
Transition: CAREER SERVICES CENTER
WDE 1200, 660-543-4985

Begin your job search 6-9 months before graduation.
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Develop a method for tracking information during the job search process.

Schedule an appointment with your Career Development Coordinator to review your transition plan, including your job
search strategy and post-graduation goals.

Identify potential employers for the type of work you are seeking and geographic areas where you would like to live/work.
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Continue to explore the Career Services website (ucmo.edu/careers) for additional career resources.
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Update your resume, cover letter, and references for the job search.
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Continue to update and maintain your Mules4Hire account; post an updated resume and your most recent transcript.

Develop your 30-second elevator speech for short encounters with employers.

Maintain a high level of professionalism in updating your online image and LinkedIn profile. Create an appropriate email
address and voicemail greeting.
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Continue to expand your professional wardrobe.
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Schedule another mock interview to polish your skills.

Research employers regarding their organization, salaries, career outlook, and culture of the work environment.

Network, network, network! Continue to attend all career expos, events, and workshops.
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Track all on-campus interview schedules through Mules4Hire.
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Inform the Career Services Center (ucmo.edu/gfs) when you secure employment or admission to a graduate program or
professional school following graduation.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Keep your options open; talk with family and friends concerning employment opportunities.

Register with Alumni Relations to stay connected with UCM (ucmo.edu/alumni.cfm).

Narrow down your school choices, complete entrance exams, and submit application materials if planning on attending
graduate school.
ACTION PLAN