Four Year Career Plan

Take Strengths Quest assessment test
Identify your interests, abilities, skills and values—all key in choosing your career path
Research occupations and potential career options
Talk to faculty and explore majors supporting your career interests
Get involved on and off campus
Do your best academic work
Register on Bethel’s Online Job Board for access to part-time, full-time, and internship positions
Choose summer job in potential career area

Take Career Direct assessment
Join student organizations and professional associations matching your career interests
Conduct informational interviews with professionals currently working in your field
Volunteer your services in your community or local church – GREAT résumé enhancer
Create résumé following our Résumé Packet suggestions
Upload your résumé to Bethel’s Online Job Board – keep in mind, initial résumés need to be approved by Career Services before it is active
Research internship opportunities by talking to your academic advisor, exploring Career Resources, search database on Bethel’s Online Job Board, and meeting with our Internship Coordinator
Line up internship at least one semester ahead of when you want to do internship (i.e., start internship search in late fall for summer internship)
Gain career related work or volunteer experience to clarify career choice

Do at least one internship in your career field – perfect time to start is summer between sophomore and junior year
Decide if graduate school is in your future to reach your career goals
Visit potential grad schools and find out their application deadlines and requirements
Increase participation in student organizations by serving in leadership roles
Update your résumé with each new job you hold and/or student organization you join
Send your résumé to careerservices@bethelcollege.edu to be critiqued
Make suggested revisions to your résumé and upload revised version to Online Job Board
Cultivate relationships with professors and employers who can serve as future references
Take practice test for grad school
Learn appropriate attire for recruiting events and start saving toward your interview suit
Attend career fairs and other events to explore internship options and network with employers in your area

Purchase business professional interview outfit and shoes
Meet with advisor early in academic year to ensure you are on track for graduation
Identify professionals who are willing to serve as references and write letters of recommendation
Complete applications by deadline for grad school
Engage in active job search early in fall semester
Create profile on www.LinkedIn.com to expand your professional network
Tailor your résumé and cover letter to each full-time position for which you apply
Participate in career fairs and other related events to build your network of contacts in your field of interest
Send thank you notes to employers within 24 hours of interviewing

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