CCS 4 Year Career Plan
FRESHMAN: Exploration
- Get to know your faculty mentor and department Chair.
- Meet with your academic advisor.
- Visit career services to explore the resources available to you including one-on-one career planning.
- READ, READ, READ…professional publications to stay current.
- Attend guest lectures.
- Start a portfolio by archiving every project. Take crisp, clutter-free photos and back up all digital files.
- Begin attending career services professional development workshops. See Blackboard for the schedule.
SOPHOMORES: Research
- Research companies/organizations of interest for internships.
- Explore study abroad options in the International Student Services Office.
- Create a resume or CV and cover letter with assistance from a member of the career services staff.
- Continue creating a portfolio/demo reel with your companies/organizations of interest in mind.
- Meet with your faculty mentor and academic advisor to select coursework to support your career interests.
- Visit Career Services to practice interview skills with “Perfect Interview” in preparation of an internship.
- Request an informational interview.
- Continue attending career services professional development workshops.
JUNIORS: Refine your plan
- Continue creating a professional portfolio/demo reel. Never discount the power of your sketchbook.
- Continue to research companies/organizations of interest. Bookmark important websites.
- Refine your verbal presentation skills.
- Apply for internships and track all correspondence for appropriate follow-up.
- Participate in on campus career events including portfolio reviews, interview days, panels, and workshops. Always get business cards to strengthen your network.
- Continue attending Career Services professional development workshops.
SENIORS: Execute your plan
- Compile your employment/graduate school/gallery target list early.
- Refine your portfolio/demo reel, resume, cover letter or CV and artist statement where appropriate; your complete self-promotional package.
- Meet with Career Services and your faculty to prepare for next steps after graduation.
- Refine the verbal presentation of your work to include industry terminology and relevant touch points.
- Research salary trends in your field based on the location of the company/organization.
- Revisit Perfect Interview in career services.
- Follow-up with all contacts in your network to let them know you are graduating and interested in employment opportunities.
- Submit your targeted self-promotional package to companies/organizations/graduate schools of interest.
- Again, track all correspondence for appropriate follow-up.
