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Checklist for Navigating your Senior Year
Post-graduation planning guide for the Class of 2014.5 and 2015
Who am I?
I can explain what is unique about me and what I can offer of value to an employer.
I know how to articulate my core liberal arts competencies.
I know what strengths separate me from other candidates, and I also have a clear understanding of what my weaknesses are so I can improve them.
I am able to identify my most important personal values.
I can describe work environments in which I thrive and ones I want to avoid.
I have thought about the type of lifestyle I want after graduation.
I have identified my interests and made progress in connecting those to career opportunities.
I can select 3 past success stories and explain why they are important to me.
Where do I want to go?
I can name at least 3 CCI resources (print, online, or human) I can use to research post-grad options.
I have developed a facility in using at least 2 of these resources and do that regularly.
I have thought about appealing geographic locations for my first post-graduate position OR I have determined location is not important to me.
I can list at least 3 different job titles/graduate schools/fellowships that are attractive to me and explain why.
I am knowledgeable about 3 different organizations and can discuss their overall purpose and why I would want to be associated with them.
I have researched at least 3 different industries enough to understand their differences and similarities, what entry-level opportunities exist, and how I would market my skills to be a competitive candidate.
I understand the importance of informational interviewing and know what questions to ask during the process.
I know what a professional association is and have started exploring ways to join or participate in one.
How do I get there?
I have updated my MOJO profile (especially my preferred industries) so I am alerted to upcoming events, deadlines, and opportunities.
I have a one-page resume that is free of typos and grammatical errors. I understand that in order to target opportunities effectively, I can have more than one resume.
I know how to write a personalized, compelling cover letter for each specific opportunity, and I know I can get feedback from an expert in CCI.
I own or have access to professional interview attire.
I am comfortable networking on MiddNet and can reach out to alumni in the proper way.
I know how to use LinkedIn, as demonstrated by having completed my profile, joined groups, and started to follow companies/organizations.
I can answer the question, “Tell me about yourself?” and know how to prepare for other common interview questions. Plus, I have in mind good questions to ask the interviewer at the end of a session.
During an interview, I can present myself professionally and have considered doing a mock interview at CCI.
I know how to follow up and when to write a thank you note.
I know what LACN is and how to use it to complement opportunities on MOJO.
I have identified at least 3 people who can be mentors, references, or “my personal board of advisors” as I pursue my post-graduate goals.
Components of an Effective Search:
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1.) Make a plan – Decide what you want to do and create a strategy to get there. Having more than one plan is okay, but at some point you will probably have to focus and narrow it down.
2.) Build a Network – The more people you know the better. Become comfortable meeting alumni, parents, and other professionals who can be supportive and make referrals during your search.
3.) Create your Marketing Materials – Your resume, cover letter, or application essays are the most common ways you can demonstrate your value to someone looking to hire you or accept you into a program.
Think carefully about how you can differentiate yourself from the sometimes hundreds of other applicants.
4.) Leverage your resources – Take advantage of what CCI has to offer, both online and in person. Use as many campus resources as possible. It will never again be this easy to tap into a supportive and caring community who wants you to succeed!
You should be asking yourself:
How will I stay organized during my search for post graduate opportunities?
Create a folder? Use your smartphone? Make a spreadsheet to track your applications and follow up? We are not proponents of any specific system; we simply recommend committing to a process that works for you.
How much time am I able to commit to my search?
We recommend 3 hours per week. Putting in regular hours over a long period of time yields the best results
Think, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Or, as other students have told us, “Treat the search as a 5 th class.”
YOU are in charge of your future, but we’re definitely here to help along the way!
Senior year is the time to set in motion your ideas for life after Middlebury. We know there are many approaches to this challenge. Our vision is to help you graduate with a plan and the knowledge and tools to activate it when you are ready. It will be a full year, so get started as soon as you can—and let us help you get things underway!
Come visit us in ADK: Quick Question times are every week day from 1-3 pm.
Or schedule an appointment with an adviser by signing up in MOJO.
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