Senior Year Career Action Plan

Your challenge as a senior is to integrate the experiences, knowledge and self-discovery of the past three years, decide on a career path that is right for you, and take the necessary steps to make it happen.

Senior Action Steps

• Kick off the year by attending the Senior Open House.
• Have your updated resume critiqued by the Career Center.
• Upload your revised resume to www.collegecentral.com/msmary
• Draft a cover letter that can be adapted for a variety of audiences.
• Participate in a videotaped Mock Interview.
• Decide on the type of professional work or graduate program you're seeking.
• Get an internship or related work experience if you haven't already.
• Design a campaign strategy and a timeline for your post-graduate plans.
• Take a leadership position with a club or organization.
• Identify people who will be references for you. Ask them if they are willing to serve as a reference and give them a copy of your resume.
• Consider spending a year after college as a volunteer with Americorp, the Jesuit Volunteers or a similar program.

If conducting a job search:

• Narrow down the geographic region in which you'd like to work.
• Select your interview attire.
• Check the Career Center calendar and register for appropriate on-campus interviews and resume referral companies.
• Develop an employer prospect list and schedule off-campus interviews.
• Tap into your network for leads, advice and assistance with your job search.
• Attend local and regional job fairs to connect with potential employers.
• Research openings listed on various websites and post your resume.
• Follow up on all applications and keep a record of the status of each.
• Be prompt in responding to employers' requests for interviews or job offers.

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.