Career Planning Checklist
CAREER PLANNING CHECKLIST
A career plan is a flexible tool that helps you make informed decisions about your coursework, campus involvement, work experiences, and career goals. As you progress through college, revisit and update your plan based on your interests, experiences, and accomplishments. Regular reflection will help you better understand your strengths, clarify your goals, and prepare for life after graduation.
Use this checklist as a guide throughout your college journey.
EXPLORE: DISCOVER YOUR INTERESTS AND CAREER OPTIONS
Student
- Explore different academic disciplines through general education and major courses
- Complete online career assessments and schedule a career counseling appointment with Career Services
- Explore Career Services website resources, attend events, and follow us on social media for career tips and opportunities
- Research career fields, labor market trends, and occupations that match your interests
- Conduct informational interviews and visit Career Services for guidance on connecting with professionals
- Get involved in student organizations, volunteer opportunities, or part-time employment
- Attend the McKendree Career Fair to explore careers and employers
Parents/Families
- Encourage your student to use Career Services and our resources
- Ask open-ended questions about their interests rather than directing them toward a specific career
- Support involvement in campus organizations, volunteer work, and leadership opportunities
- Be open to ideas they have regarding majors and career paths
- Share your own career experiences, including both successes and challenges
PREPARE: BUILD YOUR CAREER TOOLKIT
Student
- Create or update your resume, cover letter, and other professional materials. Review the Career Planning Guide on our website for information on these areas
- Create your profile on the Handshake online career system through the My McK page
- Create your LinkedIn profile
- Buld relationships with faculty, mentors, alumni, and professionals in your field of interest
- Gain relevant experience through volunteer work, campus involvement, part-time employment, or job shadowing
- Attend career fairs, networking events, and Career Services workshops
- Meet with Career Services to discuss internships for academic credit and career planning
- Develop a professional online presence and build a portfolio or personal website if appropriate for your field
Parents/Families
- Encourage participation in career fairs, networking events, and Career Services programs
- Help your student identify professional contacts for networking, job shadowing, or informational interviews
- Reinforce the importance of professional communication and follow up
- Encourage your student to keep their resume, LinkedIn profile, and career materials current
- Support continued involvement in activities that develop career-related skills
EXPERIENCE: GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPOSURE
Student
- Use Handshake and LinkedIn to search for internships, part-time jobs, and career opportunities
- Participate in internships, research, or other experiential learning opportunities
- Continue refining your resume and cover letter with feedback from Career Services
- Attend employer events, workshops, and career fairs
- Seek leadership roles in student organizations and campus activities
- Build relationships with employers, faculty, mentors, and professional contacts
- If considering graduate school, begin researching programs and preparing for entrance exams
- Learn to use AI responsbily for career research, resume development, and interview preparation
Parents/Families
- Encourage internships, part-time jobs, volunteer experiences, research, and campus involvement
- Share professional connections that may provide career insight or networking opportunities
- Discuss career goals and reflect on what your student is learning from each experience
- Encourage attendance at Career Services programs and employer events
- Remind your student to keep career materials updated
ACHIEVE: PREPARE FOR THE NEXT STEP
Student
- Apply for jobs, internships, or graduate and professional programs
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each opportunity
- Maintain a professional online presence, including LinkedIn
- Schedule a mock interview with Career Services and practice interviewing
- Request individuals as professional references and create a reference page
- Research employers and career opportunities before applying
- Evaluate job offers and graduate school options carefully
- Network with professionals and continue building your career connections
- Join professional organizations related to your field that allow student members
- Begin your job search early during your senior year or even earlier for some majors
- Purchase appropriate interview attire for your field
Parents/Families
- Encourage consistent progress in the job or graduate school search
- Encourage networking and participation in Career Services events
- Share professional contacts when appropriate
- Remind your student that Career Services is available throughout their career journey
- Offer support and actively listen during the decision-making process without making decisions for them
- Celebrate progress during this transition time
Career Readiness Competencies
Career & Self-Development
Communication
Critical Thinking
Equity & Includsion
Leadership
Professionalism
Teamwork
Technology
National Association of Colleges and Employers
