Once you have decided on a major and narrowed down your career interests, it is time to design a course of action. Begin by making a list of the activities necessary to achieve your academic and career goals.
Activities to Achieve Your Academic/Graduation Goal
Meet with the appropriate academic and/or faculty advisors to develop a solid academic plan and monitor progress toward graduation
Meet with prospective employers by attending job and internship fairs and interviewing on campus
Activities to Advance in Your Career and Get That Promotion!
You've graduated and landed a job! Remember, employers expect you to continue learning and contribute in valuable ways to the success of the organization.
Get organized and establish goals
Develop a list of goals, review them frequently, and take action at every opportunity. Include activities such as building customer relations or reading trade journals to keep abreast of industry trends. Strong organizational skills are key to moving forward in your career.
Network
Utilize your networking skills to discover unmet needs within your organization. Interact with leaders in your profession and maintain or re-establish contact with former business associates, college alumni, and professors.
Know organizational priorities
Keep updated on the priorities of your organization and improve your resume by developing skills that are important to the success of the organization.
Professional dress and etiquette
Adopt the attire and positive attitude appropriate for the position you would like to have in your company. Wearing innappropriate clothing at work could sabotage a career. In addition, be aware and practice proper telephone, email, and dining etiquette, and be sensitive to other cultures and their customs.
Make it easy to get that promotion
Get the job done and do it well. Take on more difficult responsibilities and assignments to prove that you are responsible and capable. Although adding responsibilities to your present position is not a promotion, it can lead to a bonus, salary increase, or other benefits.
Be visible
Take steps to ensure that your accomplishments are known to others, such as arriving early, speaking up during meetings, and presenting suggestions for improving business practices.
Gain the trust of your co-workers
Be a team player and work effectively with your peers. This is an important step in gaining the trust of your co-workers which will allow them, and your manager, to view you in a positive light.
Learn from your mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, but the most successful people turn them into learning experiences. Take time to ask questions and get formal training. Take advantage of tuition reimbursement benefits, online learning, continuing education, etc.
Find your niche and stay upbeat
Discover skills that you possess that are lacking within your department. Sometimes these unique talents are key to getting that promotion. Maintain a positive attitude when workloads peak to demonstrate an ability to produce results under pressure.
Choose a Major/Career
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