Junior Year Career Action Plan

The Career Action Plan (CAP) at the Mount is a four-year program that guides students through a systematic career development process. Highly experiential in nature, the program is based on our belief that work is a "calling," a vocation that gives your life purpose and meaning. Each year of the CAP includes a checklist of suggested activities to develop a student's skills and career readiness.

Get ready to make some tentative decisions about your graduate school and/or job search plans. Begin to map out your strategies.

Junior Action Steps

• Identify at least three career and/or graduate or professional school options that match your interests.
• Discuss your options with your academic advisor or a career counselor.
• Have your updated resume critiqued by the Career Center.
• Build professional experience through an internship, volunteer, or summer job. Begin to research internships on www.collegecentral.com/msmary
• Develop your network of contacts.
• If considering graduate school, use the Career Center resources to research programs, entrance exams and application deadlines.
• Attend career and graduate school fairs.
• Begin to research organizations and the opportunities they offer.
• Assume a leadership role with a club or activity.
• Join student chapters of professional organizations.
• Demonstrate your competencies in teamwork, leadership, technical and communication skills.
  
  If pursuing graduate or professional school admission:
  • Consult with your graduate or professional school advisor or set up an appointment with the Career Center for assistance with the process.
  • Register for and take the appropriate entrance examinations.
  • Narrow down your choice of schools and obtain the applications.
  • Prepare your personal statements and applications.
  • Request letters of recommendation.
  • Submit application materials on time and check with the institutions prior to the deadline date to make sure your file is complete.
  • If possible, visit with institutions that accept you. Send a deposit to your school of choice.
  • Notify other schools that have accepted you of your decision.