Prepare for Success
When should you begin preparing for the job search? Now! Here are some steps you should be taking to set yourself up for success. Log into your Career Launch account to access online Career Pathways for each year of college.
Throughout your college career
- Attend career-related events like job and internship/co-op fairs and career workshops
- Become involved in extracurricular activities
- Gain career-related experience through volunteer work, summer jobs, and participation in an internship or co-op opportunity
- Visit the USI Career Services website
- Network with alumni and others in your chosen career field
Your first and second year at USI
- Decide on a major
- Start exploring career opportunities through part-time employment
- Seek career counseling from the USI Career Counseling Office 812-465-1136
- Write a polished resume
Your third year
- Assume leadership responsibilities
- Have a clear career objective
- If you have not yet considered obtaining an internship or co-op, speak with a Career Services Internship Coordinator
Your graduation year
- (In the fall) take appropriate graduate/professional school entrance exams
- Identify how positions are filled in your particular career area. Update your resume
- Learn to write effective cover letters and other job search correspondence
- Research and make contact with potential employers
- Register with Career Services and Internships
- Check the job posting system
- Prepare to excel in interviews
- If you have not yet considered obtaining an internship or co-op, speak with the Career Services Internship Coordinator. Meet with a professional staff member in Career Services and Internships
Competencies for Success
Research conducted by the Department of Labor has identified certain competencies that characterize successful employees. Below is a list of these that have been identified by the research.
- Resource management (time, materials, space) (resources)
- Understanding / adhering to organizational systems
- Critical thinking / problem-solving skills
- Realistic expectations
- Career direction / goals
- Oral communication skills
- Understanding the need for confidentiality
- Interpersonal skills
- Integrity
- Listening skills
- Organizational / planning skills
- Acquiring and integrating information
- Computer / technical skills
- Independence / initiative
- Written communication skills
- Oral presentation skills
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Accuracy