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Career Services
Seven Steps to Success
Support Services
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The primary goals of Career Services are to assist individuals in recognizing career development as a life-long process and to develop decision-making and job search skills that are useful throughout life. Career development is an important element of an individual's sense of identity and personal happiness. Successful career development is dependent on two factors: self-knowledge and knowledge of the world of work. The likelihood of career success is increased dramatically when individuals invest incremental effort over a significant period of time. We believe you should continue the process of career exploration and selection during your first semester and throughout your CMU experience. By utilizing this Career Success Plan, you will enhance your ability to make an informed career decision. All of us at CMU are committed to providing you with quality experiences and helping you prepare for your career.

7 Steps to SUCCESS

Step 1 - Self
In order to find a path, you need to find out who you are and what you want.

• Identify your interests, abilities, experiences and values.

• Match these to careers and majors having similar traits.

• Validate your interests, possible majors and careers by: enrolling in exploratory classes; becoming involved in campus activities and organizations; volunteering and finding related employment opportunities.

Step 2 - Utilize
CMU has a variety of free resources to assist with your academic and career decisions.

• Academic Assistance and Minority Student Services offer free tutoring for students needing some extra assistance in class.

• You may have ideas about a particular major; contact the department to meet faculty to discuss your plans.

• Advisors in Career Services are helpful in matching ,majors to careers (or vice versa), and assisting with narrowing your list of careers and academic possibilities.

• Academic Advisors are located in several campus locations to assist with class scheduling.

Step 3 - Conduct
After utilizing services to narrow your search and build a solid academic foundation, it is time to conduct research.

• Conduct research with professionals in your field(s) of interest. Use your network of professors and family members to set up information interviews or get questions answered.

• Use your time wisely; research careers and majors that match your interests, values and abilities. Don't forget to be realistic in terms of salary and geographic preference.

• Develop transferable skills that can be used in all careers through volunteerism, work and internships.

• Internships, jobs and volunteerism can also be used to research a potential career or major.

Step 4 - Choose
It is time to make an informed decision about an academic path. At a minimum, a degree plan, a major and (sometimes) a minor are needed to graduate from CMU.

• Analyze what you have learned and meet with a department advisor to sign the major(s) and minor(s).

• Don't forget that you may need to start exploring graduate school options at this time.

Step 5 - Evaluate
Continue researching your academic path and careers that can be obtained with it. Get creative and don't forget your interests when thinking about options.

• Internships, summer employment and volunteerism experiences can assist with evaluation

• Meeting with an advisor might uncover career options you have not considered.

• Job fairs are excellent ways to meet professionals to discuss possible career paths.

Step 6 - Secure
Go get that first professional job in the field you have selected or gain admittance to graduate/professional school.

• Continually modify your resume, cover letter and other supporting job search materials by adapting them to each job for which you apply.

• Identify graduate schools and programs in geographic areas to match your personal goals and needs.

• Participate in on-campus interviews and campus job fairs.

• Meet with an advisor to discuss your job search and materials, in addition to finding new information and resources.

Step 7 - Step back
During your professional lifetime, it is important periodically to step back and re-evaluate your career.

• According to the U.S. Labor Department, the "average person will have 3.5 different careers in their lifetime and work for 10 employers, keeping each job for 3.5 years."

• Ask yourself: Are you where you want to be professionally? Are you happy with your job and career? Do you enjoy going to work every day? Are you being challenged? Are your values being compromised?

• If you need assistance with identifying other options or you wish to "re-tool," Career Services will always be there to assist.
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Support Services

Advising. A professional staff member in Career Services is available to advise students in all fields of study. You may call to make an appointment with an advisor to discuss industry trends, salary trends, available resources, time frames for conducting a job search, preparations for your job search, and information about internships. You are encouraged to communicate with a career advisor throughout your CMU career beginning with your first semester. Frequent contacts with an advisor will enhance the quality of your career development and increase your knowledge of resources and job market trends.

Career Resources. Central Michigan University provides its students with one of the finest collections of career resources in the state. New materials and services are continually added to our collection to keep it as current as possible. Career Services offers job seekers many sources of current state and nationwide job vacancies. DISCOVER-a career assessment tool that includes occupational guidance and graduate school information, is available at no charge for those exploring career and major options.

Resume Critiques. Career Services offers individual assistance in the development of this most critical tool.

Mock Interview Program. This program is designed to provide an opportunity to practice your interviewing skills prior to actual scheduled interviews with employers. This practice interview is a video taped session with an intern who is trained to provide feedback about verbal and non-verbal techniques.

Registering for Internships, Employer Referrals, and On-Campus Interviewing: Individuals who are actively pursuing professional employment or internship opportunities register with Career Services by using eRecruiting. This system is available to undergraduates, graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni. Registering allows you access to the on-campus interviewing program, internships, the employer referral program, and a subscription to the employment vacancy bulletin up to 6 months after graduation.

For more information contact Career Services, 215 Bovee University Center, 774-3068, or visit us online at www.careers.cmich.edu.
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