Yearly Planner

Cal has many opportunities and resources to help you identify your career related goals and take steps in the right direction. Although there is not a strict "timeline" for success, the suggestions below will get you started. 

Freshman and Sophomore
Junior and Senior
 

 

• Adjust to campus life. Learn how to balance academics and social activities
• Learn about the many student services departments on campus; see a Peer Advisor
• Get involved in student organizations or activities
• Develop your time management skills at the Student Learning Center
• Set up a Handshake account and profile; review upcoming career-related events
• Within Handshake, sign up for CareerMail based on your interests
• Explore your major options 

• Investigate career options - try some self assessment activities to gain clarity
• Visit the resources on our Connecting Majors to Careers webpage
• Learn about graduate and professional school (includuing pre-med/pre-health)
• Meet with a career counselor to discuss your options and goals; develop a plan
• Develop your networking and communication skills
• Learn about internships and other short-term opportunities to build skills
• Pursue an externship - shadow an alum in a profession that interests you
• Attend Career Center programs such as workshops and Career Fairs

• ​Develop strong relationships with faculty
• Attend the Graduate and Law School Fair, if you are interested in further education
• Learn about career fields that interest you
• Regularly utilize Handshake - become familiar with On-Campus Recruiting
• Create or update your resume and your LinkedIn profile
• Build teamwork and leadership skills in your extracurricular activities
• Develop analytical and problem solving skills to become more competitive for many jobs

   

• See a counselor in the beginning of Senior year
• Make some decisions about your future goals - it is ok to have more than one direction
• Develop your professionalism and work ethic within your various commitments
• Assess your training, skills and experiences; identify any further development you need to be competitive for the opportunities that interest you most
• Build your network; conduct informational interviews with alumni and professionals
• Update your application materials and practice your interviewing skills