STUDENT CAREER ADVANTAGE PLAN

This plan provides a framework to assist students, (as well as parents, college faculty and administrators who support them) with career development.  It is based upon the following beliefs:

• College graduates aren't "placed" in jobs or graduate school, they compete for openings. Well prepared college graduates have an advantage over those who are not. 

• At most colleges and universities, opportunities for career preparation or what we call "career development", remain largely outside of the curriculum and are predominately optional student activities.

• Career preparation is a developmental process that is best not put off until the final year of college. Long before graduation, students can take steps to get ready for careers and facilitate successful transitions to the world of employment or graduate studies.

• Students develop differently.  Some need considerable career development support.  Some need little.  Most can benefit from some career development guidance and training.

• Students are responsible for their own career development. Offices of Career Services can help by providing advisement, resources and opportunities to assist them. 

• Preparing for a career takes a good measure of courage, facing what can often seem like a daunting task.  It also requires time and energy.  A daunting task, requiring time and energy, often takes a back seat to other uses of students' time.  Faculty and parents can help by providing students with encouragement, structure and incentives, to engage in career development activities.

The following pages contain suggested accomplishments  and activities that promote career development. Click on any of the four stages below for more information on that stage: