First Years

  • Visit the CDO to learn about our services
  • Start your resume; the CDO can help!
  • Assess your interests, abilities, personality, and values
  • Identify possible majors and career fields and professional associations
  • Meet individually with a career counselor to learn how to find out more about careers, make decisions, and set goals as well as exploring careers
  • Utilize the CDO lending library to aid in your career research
  • Consider contacting some alums or other employers to do a job shadow.
  • Take a variety of classes in areas that interest you to explore majors
  • Identify and join student organizations or volunteer activities that will provide leadership opportunities, and enable you to explore interests and build skills
  • Obtain relevant work experiences through GRINNELLINK internships, volunteering, part-time jobs and summer jobs
  • Develop good time management, goal setting, and study habits; establish a strong GPA
  • Attend the GRINNELLINK Reception each semester to meet alumni in various fields

Second Years

  • Continue first year activities
  • Develop relationships with contacts in your field of study
  • Attend CDO presentations to learn more about resume writing, interviewing, and internships
  • Conduct research and solicit information from professionals and upper-class students to finalize decision on your major
  • Meet individually with a career counselor to develop short and long term goals; Learn where recent graduates are working
  • Utilize the CDO lending library to aid in your career research
  • Develop and enhance your skills through student organizations, volunteer opportunities, part-time employment, and GRINNELLINK internships or Grant Program internships
  • Consider contacting some alums or other employers to do a job shadow.
  • Build skills in areas of importance to employers including oral and written communication, teamwork, leadership, problem solving, and computer skills
  • Update and revise your resume
  • Explore study abroad, Grinnell-in-Washington, and Grinnell-in-London programs
  • Maintain strong GPA

Third Years 

  • Continue second year activities
  • Investigate scholarships or fellowships
  • Seek an internship to gain experience in your field
  • Learn about Credential Files through the CDO
  • Utilize alumni and CDO resources to thoroughly research the employers you are considering
  • Obtain information on graduate programs and admission requirements. Prepare for and take required exams for graduate school
  • Continue building your network of faculty and professional contacts
  • Hold a leadership position in a campus organization and serve on committees
  • Polish your resume, cover letter and interview skills
  • Explore community service activities and leadership
  • Consider studying abroad

Seniors 

  • Continue third year activities
  • Attend job search presentations
  • Evaluate your lifestyle interests and values to determine post-graduate plans
  • Buy an interview suit and leather padfolio
  • Apply for jobs through the Selective Liberal Arts Consortium (SLAC)
  • Participate in on-campus recruiting
  • Prepare for interviews by researching companies and opportunities
  • Attend job search workshops
  • Meet individually with a career counselor to help you identify skills you have to offer employers, plan for your job search
  • Investigate and apply for fellowships
  • Have your resume and cover letter critiqued
  • Meet with a career counselor on a regular basis to assess your job search strategies and to have your resume and cover letter critiqued
  • Participate in mock interviews through the CDO
  • Write letters of inquiry to alumni and prospective employers, send follow-up letters, and make phone calls
  • Use college breaks to conduct prospective company visits
  • Invest a little time each day in your job search. A productive job search may take as much time as a 3-credit hour course