A Publication of
the LAS Advising Center
&
the Office of Career Services

This College Academic/Career Roadmap is a checklist which provides students with various ways they can enhance their university experience and expand their career and academic opportunities throughout their college years. Additionally, advisors can use it as a stimulus for discussion in working with their students.

One word captures the essence of excellent academic and career preparation - involvement. Your efforts to become involved with the academic program, faculty, staff, other students, work and volunteer experiences will reap big rewards. Commit yourself to do high quality work in and out of class. Good work leads to good references.

Exploring (Freshman year)

Explore Career Areas

• Try a variety of jobs
• Talk with advisors and professors about career options
• Take an interest inventory
• Identify the following: past accomplishments, skills & abilities, career related hobbies, personality style, career and personal values/priorities
• Enroll in a career class, e.g. Topics In Career Exploration (LAS I 102); Major/Career Path (LAS I 150D)
• Attend “Choosing a Major” workshop
• Take a personality assessment
• Travel during the summer
• Develop portfolio of skills, experiences and examples of work
• Nurture hobbies

Explore the University

• Read the undergraduate catalog
• Consult with your academic advisor
• Set a date to graduate
• Meet many professors
• Attend workshops on: study skills, time management, note-taking
• Identify major fears about college life

Defining (Sophomore year)

Collect More Information

• Read about careers
• Talk with professionals
• Consult with your academic advisor
• Develop short-term goals
• Look for summer internships
• Ask to observe the work life of a
• professional for a specified amount of time
• Talk with career advisors
• Enroll in a career class, e.g. Topics In Career Exploration (LAS I 102); Major/Career Path (LAS I 150D)
• Attend career workshops
• Find a mentor who can offer support
• Work on residence hall or club project
• Volunteer on student committees
• Join intramural teams
• Continue development of portfolio

Gain Specific Information

• Seek academic advice
• • what will make you competitive
  • what skills you need to develop
• Take professors to lunch to talk
• Focus on obtaining a high GPA
• Choose a major
• Develop a tentative degree plan
• Talk with others in your major
• Consider study abroad
• Obtain job experience in your major through Cooperative Education

Researching (Junior year)

Increase Experience

• Find internships
• Make tentative decision about a career
• Attend a resume workshop
• Attend grad school seminars
• Complete information interviews
• Develop general awareness of career options
• Become familiar with work settings and job descriptions
• Talk with a career advisor
• Consult with your academic advisor
• Discuss your decisions with a mentor
• Obtain job experience in your major through Cooperative Education
• Write down three life goals
• Start a small business
• Run for elected office
• Apply for RA or peer advisor position
• Be a Big Brother/Sister
• Volunteer in the community
• Get involved with the student chapter of a professional association
• Continue development of portfolio

Make Initial Choices

• Choose electives
• Focus on major courses
• Relate academics to future work plans
• Attend seminars on your major
• Attend relevant conferences
• Develop an academic mentor
• Complete a degree check
• Consider professional/graduate school

Implementing (Senior year)

First Career Choice

• Attend workshops on:
• • job search
  • interviewing
  • recruiting
  • mock interviews
  • applying to grad school
  • stress management
  • resume' development
• Establish life goals
• Develop contact list
• Interview for jobs
• Attend grad school seminars
• Develop budget for job
• Check job listings
• Prepare yourself for your chosen lifestyle
• Reality test first career job expectations
• Make a list of your firm decisions
• Consult with your academic advisor
• Apply for graduate school
• Use portfolio to develop resume'
• Obtain job experience in your major through Cooperative Education

Long-Term Decisions

• Apply to graduate school
• Complete senior project
• Develop an independent study
• Work on a project with professor
• Become a tutor/teaching assistant
• Consider lifelong learning interests
• Consult with your academic advisor

Summary of Important Academic & Career Resources

Wichita State University is an excellent springboard for your personal, academic and career success. Its Metropolitan Advantage grants you access to the opportunities found in the state's major business, educational, health and cultural center. The following checklist is a summary of the opportunities that will enhance your learning power and your ability to compete in the world marketplace.

• Utilize Career Services
• Participate in Honors Program
• Pursue Study Abroad experiences with other cultures
• Join departmental clubs-career-related information & contacts
• Join professional organizations-directory in Career Services
• Seek internships in major area-ask advisors & professors
• Seek work related to major(s) through Cooperative Education
• Seek work & volunteer experiences related to major(s)
• Get to know advisors & professors
• Ask questions & advice of mentors
• Become familiar with departmental & college offices-requirements & opportunities

Further questions?

Contact your academic advisor, department, college, school office or the Office of Career Services.

Academic/Career Roadmap initial list courtesy of Marcella D. Stark, Texas A&M U. Adapted for Wichita State University by Bob Rozzelle, (316) WSU-3700. Brochure design by Kevin Crabtree. Updated 5/01.