Career Development Timeline
Building a career begins long before graduation. You can enhance your career potential and develop marketable skills beginning in your freshman year by taking a few steps each year toward your future career. Read on for suggestions of activities that will help you prepare for success.
Freshman Year: Exploring
Sophomore Year: Defining
Junior Year: Researching
Senior Year: Implementing
Freshman Year: Exploring
Volunteer
K-State and the Manhattan community offer hundreds of volunteer opportunities. Seek out opportunities related to your career goals. Good places to start include:
- The United Way of Riley County
- K-State's Community Service Program
- K-State Student Organizations
- Part-Time Opportunities Fair
Get a Part-Time Job
A part-time job can give you practical work experience and help you explore different opportunities. Working can also help you build skills and better understand your work values and abilities. As a freshman, be careful not to take on too much — 10-15 hours a week is a good starting point.
Explore Career Options
Visit K-State's Academic and Career Information Center (ACIC) to help refine your career choices.
Sophomore Year: Defining
Meet Professionals
Conduct informational interviews with 2-3 professionals in your field.
Get Involved
K-State has over 300 organizations to choose from!
Learn about the Job Search
Attend the All-University Career Fair to learn about companies and intern and full-time job opportunities.
Junior Year: Researching
Build Your Resume
Look for an Internship
Make an appointment with your CES advisor to help you get started.
Practice Your Interview Skills
Participate in a mock interview to get feedback and advice to help you interview well.
Learn About the Job Search
Attend the All-University Career Fair to learn about companies and intern and full-time job opportunities with hundreds of organizations.
Senior Year: Implementing
Refine Your Resume
Consult Career and Employment Services' Resume Guide for help and schedule a resume critique with your CES advisor.
Practice Your Interview Skills
Participate in a mock interview to get feedback and advice to help you interview well.
Conduct Your Job Search
Make an appointment with your CES advisor to help you get started.
Meet Employers
Attend the All-University Career Fair to learn about companies and intern and full-time job opportunities with hundreds of organizations.
Prepare for Professional Life
Attend CES workshops to help you transition to the world of work.