Career Game Plan

A champion always has a strategy, and good coaches help athletes make the plan to win.

Likewise, the IUP Career and Professional Development Center provides students with coaching and support for finding a rewarding career that will support a fulfilling life. Use this checklist to stay on track and ahead of the competition throughout your career at IUP and beyond. See us in the CPDC to learn how life design can positively impact you and your future.

Year One: Explore (Rookie)

Top Five Tips

Bonus Points

  • Participate in community service activities.
  • Get a part-time job.
  • Take a career/personality assessment. (Use Focus 2 via MyIUP, see Campus Services > Jobs & Careers).
  • Conduct an informational interview/prototype conversation with someone in a job that interests you.
  • Identify at least four skills employers look for and plan how you will acquire those skills before graduation.
  • Activate your Handshake profile (iup.joinhandshake.com).

Year Two: Focus (Semi-Pro)

Top Five Tips

  • Meet with a career coach and faculty advisor or mentor.
  • Review strengths and identify opportunities to enhance/develop skills, including skills that differentiate you.
  • Commit to a major before year three.
  • Research career options related to your chosen major.
  • Update your résumé.

Bonus Points

  • Begin a master résumé that includes all experiences.
  • Draft your elevator speech (your 30-second self-branding pitch).
  • Attend a networking event.
  • Conduct informational interviews/prototype conversations with employers.
  • Develop leadership skills (e.g., chair a committee).
  • Prepare to participate in a work/study-away program (e.g., The Washington Center, Disney College Program, study abroad).
  • Consider a minor, concentration, or research opportunity to complement your major.
  • Find a summer work experience that relates to your career path.
  • Participate in events and programs related to your desired career.
  • Utilize CPDC resources such as What Can I Do With This Major and Big Interview.

Year Three: Prepare (Pro)

Top Five Tips

Bonus Points

  • Assume a leadership role in an organization.
  • Create a business card for networking.
  • Attend a career/internship/graduate school fair.
  • Explore graduate school options; take the appropriate admissions exams.
  • Improve your interviewing skills by participating in the CPDC Mock Interview Program and/or Big Interview.
  • Participate in job shadowing.
  • Begin building your professional wardrobe (visit the Crimson Closet).
  • Conduct informational interviews/ prototype conversations.
  • Participate in the CPDC Business and Dining Etiquette Program.

Year Four: Act (All-Star)

Top Five Tips

  • Meet with a career coach and faculty advisor or mentor.
  • Start your job search or graduate school application process six-to-nine months before graduation.
  • Target your résumé and cover letters to specific positions; have them reviewed by the CPDC.
  • Research employers and apply for positions; create an application tracking sheet and follow up.
  • Attend career fairs.

Bonus Points

  • Update your elevator speech.
  • Continue to network with alumni and professionals in your field.
  • Identify professors, work supervisors, and advisors who can serve as professional references.
  • Update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.
  • Attend CPDC programming (Career Ready Seminar Series, Professional Panel Series, Coffee and Career Conversations).
  • Refer others to the CPDC.
  • Seek opportunities for professional development.

Year Five and Beyond: Thrive (Hall of Fame)

Top Five Tips

  • Complete the IUP Graduate First Destination Survey.
  • Join a professional organization.
  • Encourage your employer to recruit at IUP.
  • Continue to network with students, alumni, and other professionals when possible.
  • Attend IUP Alumni events and share your knowledge to help other alumni and future IUP graduates.

Bonus Points

  • Regularly update your résumé and LinkedIn profile.
  • Identify a mentor in your profession.
  • Set goals to advance your career.
  • Use IUP CPDC services.
  • Discuss with your supervisor ways to advance your career.
  • Consider an advanced degree or professional certificate.
  • Donate your time, talent, and treasures IUP CPDC Foundation Funds: Career & Professional. Development (8080), Internship Support Initiative (8580), and Professional Clothing-Career Closet (8581).
  • Keep your career and contact information up-to-date with the IUP Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement.