Career Action Plan

STAGE 1: Awareness & Exploration

• Register with AUM Career Development Center 
• Meet with your academic advisor to plan courses to take 
• Get a FOCUS2 user ID through AUM Career Development Center (self-assessment with information on majors and occupations, helping identify those that “fit” you)
  • Explore majors (includes all AUM majors)
  • Take inventories
  • Explore suggested career areas that match your inventory results
  • Meet with a career counselor to go over FOCUS2 results

• Learn AUM academic requirements behind each major you’ve chosen 
• Schedule a follow-up meeting with your academic advisor to discuss findings on majors and related occupations 
• Begin exploring various occupations aligned with your interests, skills, and values

Other resources for exploration include the following:

• Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/oco)
• What Can I Do With A Major In…(CDC website)
• Library online resources
• Printed materials in Career Services Library (TC 150)
• Talk with faculty, alumni, advisors and professionals in the field for further occupational information 
• Explore and join student and professional organizations 
• Start a journal or portfolio (clubs, activities, events, etc.) reflecting on experiences 
• Attend AUM career fairs, workshops, and events 
• Make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss next steps

STAGE 2: Research & Confirmation

• Reflect on and adjust previous career/academic plan based on experiences & knowledge
• Discuss with your academic advisor how your academic plan integrates with your career goal 
• Make an appointment with your career counselor to discuss career goals and appropriate experimental learning opportunities 
• Continue involvement in student organizations and/or community service 
• Attend a resume writing seminar or view online at CDC website 
• Develop your resume and upload it into CAREER PATHWAYS (Career Services database) 
• Upload or update your profile in CAREER PATHWAYS
• Begin a search for summer jobs/internships/co-ops (experimental learning opportunities) 
• Attend an interview preparation seminar or view online at website 
• Develop your “30 second elevator pitch” or positioning statement 
• Schedule a mock interview 
• Attend AUM Fall and/or Spring Career Fairs

STAGE 3: Experimentation & Validation

• Update your profile and resume in CAREER PATHWAYS 
• Reflect on and adjust previous career/academic plan 
• Consult with your academic advisor to confirm degree requirements 
• Assume leadership roles in student organizations 
• Continue developing skills and relationships to increase your employability 
• Research careers thoroughly to target job options and career areas within the major that fit your career goals 
• Use community business forums and professional organizations for networking and information gathering 
• Attend all career seminars and events, some of which include the following:
  • Resume Writing
  • Interview Skills/Preparation
  • Job Search Strategies
  • Skills Employers Value
  • Special programs-panels, etc.

• Attend the annual Graduate School Fair (http://www.alabamaconnection.org) 
• Attend AUM’s Fall & Spring Career Fair 
• Research requirements for graduate school and begin application process
• Develop your target list of employers and begin outreach 
• Talk with supervisors, faculty, and key leaders about serving as references, providing them with a copy of your resume

STAGE 4: Strategy & Implementation

• Update your profile and resume in CAREER PATHWAYS 
• Reflect on career/academic plan 
• Meet with a career counselor to have all job search materials reviewed: positioning statement, cover letters, resumes, target lists, plan 
• Identify on and off-campus interview opportunities 
• Schedule mock interview(s) to improve interview skills 
• Sign up for on-campus interviews through CAREER PATHWAYS 
• Apply for jobs or entrance into graduate/professional schools 
• Visit CDC for information on salaries and relocating 
• Attend Career Fairs if needed 
• Cultivate job and graduate school offers and negotiate for the optimal fit 
• Continue to build and keep in touch with your network 
• Update or complete journal/portfolio entries 
• Contact AUM Career Development Center to advise of employment status