Career Steps

What phase are you at in your career journey? These steps don't correspond directly to years in school. Instead, use them as guideposts in your career preparation. Start where it makes sense for you and don't worry if you repeat a phase or two along the way.

Four (repeatable) steps to landing a job

 

Step 1: Get Planning

  • Take a Focus2 self assessment to explore real occupations and your working personality, data and facts.
  • Build your Handshake profile.
  • Get involved by joining a student organization, volunteering, attending campus events or finding a job related to your career goals.
  • Meet with a member of the Career Development Center team to review your résumé and/or cover letter.
  • Explore relevant courses, minors and study abroad options with your academic advisor.
  • Get to know your professors during office hours, and maintain a solid GPA.

 

Step 2: Get Professional

  • Begin researching and identifying two-three employers of interest and reach out to set up informational interviews or a job shadow.
  • Increase your online presence by creating a LinkedIn profile or electronic portfolio.
  • Attend career events, fairs and workshops.
  • Explore research and internship opportunities.
  • Develop your elevator pitch to use during networking events.
  • Take on leadership roles in student organizations.
  • Start acquiring professional attire appropriate to your field. (Second-hand clothing stores are a great place to source work attire!)

 

Step 3: Get Connected

  • Build your network and make LinkedIn connections with professors, faculty, advisors and alumni.
  • Attend employer events and career panels to explore opportunities and industry-specific job/internship search strategies.
  • Join relevant professional organizations/associations in your field. Many of these have student chapters at OSU.
  • Research graduate schools and requirements for acceptance into programs of interest.
  • Develop a list of professional references.
  • Expand engagement in on- and off-campus activities to diversify skills, experiences and connections.
  • International students: Learn about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to work in the U.S. during college.

 

Step 4: Get Hired

  • Update your Handshake profile, résumé, cover letter and LinkedIn.
  • Leverage the network you have built both on- and off-campus to find opportunities.
  • Use Handshake and other job boards to apply for jobs or internships.
  • Use StandOut or make an appointment with the Career Development Center to practice your interviewing skills.
  • Evaluate your online presence from an employer’s/program’s perspective.
  • Create a professional email address and phone message.
  • International students: Learn about requirements for Optional Practical Training (OPT).