Chart Your Business Career:  A Four Year Map For Success

Much like Northwood University's curriculum guides for each major, Northwood-Florida Career Services developed a four year Career Development Plan to engage students in professional planning from their first year on campus through graduation.

Yearly: Career Development Activities

• Develop and keep an up-to-date Career Portfolio that includes class projects, multimedia presentations, brochures, and other completed work that demonstrates your business-related capabilities.
• Log on to eRecruiting on a monthly basis to see what positions are advertised and what employers expect from Northwood graduates.
• Remain actively involved in  out-of-classroom learning experiences through Northwood's unique EXCEL Student Development Program. EXCEL provides over 150 learning activities each academic year.  Pay particular attention to the programs offered in the Professional Development and Leadership Development categories.
• Stay abreast of new developments in your chosen career field by reading business journals, magazines, and other periodicals.
• Strengthen your leadership responsibilities both on- and off-campus throughout your undergraduate career. During your final year, demonstrate your successful leadership growth by engaging in activities that require you to assume the greatest levels of responsibility.
• Visit the Career Services Office in Dalby Commons to learn more about career opportunities, jobs, and internships.
• Develop your professional wardrobe. Business attire is needed for classroom presentations, special campus events, and job interviews.

First Year Focus:  Exploring Business Careers

• Complete the FOCUS career assessment tool in PSY 110.
• Conduct an informational interview with a business professional for PSY 110 class.
• Register for eRecruiting in the summer prior to your enrollment.
• Create a preliminary resume and post it on eRecruiting.
• Attend all Career Expos and Fairs held on campus for networking experience and to practice interacting with business recruiters.
• Secure a part-time, summer, or volunteer position to explore a business area of interest and to gain experience.

Second Year Focus:  Goalsetting

• Research companies in your business field and secure opportunities to job shadow.
• Develop mentor relationships with faculty, employers, and other individuals who can assist you with business preparation.
• Take on greater levels of responsibility at your place of employment - even if you are only working part-time or during the summer months.

Third Year Focus:  Reality Testing

• Attend at least one panel forum, one site visit, one alumni "Meet and Greet," and participate in the business etiquette dinner.
• Take MGT 340--Job Search Strategies course.
• Secure an internship, part-time job, or volunteer opportunity that is closely associated with your business interests.
• Research employers and/or graduate schools.

Fourth Year Focus:  Beginning Your Business Career

• Secure letters of recommendation from your professional references.
• Take SPC 440--Interviewing Skills course.
• Polish your resume, cover letter, and interviewing skills in preparation for your job search process.
• Study and complete graduate school entrance exams if you plan on attending graduate school.
• Research employers and apply for positions that match your business interests, skills, and qualifications.
• Attend at least one panel forum, one site visit, and one alumni "Meet and Greet."
• Attend Career Fairs both on- and off-campus.