Four-Year Career Plan

These activities can help you use your time at Spring Arbor University to develop confidence in your career options and professional development. The Office of Career Development provides assistance to all students, regardless of class year.

First-Year Students

  • Take advantage of the resources in the Academic Support Center office
  • Meet with a Career Adviser to explore various majors and career options
  • Talk to faculty and your academic adviser
  • Get involved in the SAU community and explore extra-curricular activities
  • Seek out a spiritual mentor on campus
  • Develop a resume that has been reviewed with a Career Adviser
  • Spend time job-shadowing a volunteer at their workplace by participating in the Mentoring Alumni Program (MAP)
  • Consider taking PSY 110 – Intro to Leadership Development in preparation for on campus leadership opportunities
  • Expand your summer job (volunteer to go beyond your required duties)

Sophomores

  • Choose your major and career direction
    • If unclear, meet with a Career Adviser for strategies
    • Meet with your Academic Adviser and faculty within your major
  • Get involved with campus organizations and committees
  • Meet with a Career Adviser to plan for internships (start applying early)
  • Strengthen your resume and draft a cover letter with a Career Adviser
  • Prepare for interviews
  • Begin establishing a network through the Mentoring Alumni Program (MAP)
  • Create a profile on College Central and pay attention to the career events and opportunities
  • Consider applying for leadership opportunities

Juniors

  • Pursue leadership roles and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses as a leader
  • Volunteer in the local community
  • Job-shadow another volunteer at their workplace in the Mentoring Alumni Program (MAP)
    • Programs that support your career goals
    • Institutions that offer the desired programs
    • Entrance requirements and timelines
  • Attend various career programs and workshops
  • Consider participating in an off-campus studies program
  • Complete another summer internship
  • Create a mission statement for your life and career
  • Learn about graduate school options

Seniors

  • Attend as many career development events and programs as possible:
    • Career and resume workshops
    • Career panels/speakers
    • Employer information sessions and/or interviews
    • Interview skill programs, and more
  • Mentor a first-year student interested in your major
  • Participate in off-campus recruiting events offered throughout the school year
  • Apply to graduate/professional schools
    • Get assistance with application essays/personal statements and interviews
  • Continue to actively pursue opportunities through networking, job-shadow and information interviewing with alumni in the Mentoring Alumni Program (MAP)
  • Create a support network and consider finances after college
  • Update your resume to incorporate summer activities; draft/write cover letter