You’re not just here to have fun, you know. Here are some tips from the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center on how to make the most of your time at Kansas University:

Four steps to graduating in four years

¢ Complete an average of 15 to 16 credits of course work each semester that apply toward degree requirements. You need 30 hours to be a sophomore, 60 to be a junior and 90 to be a senior.

¢ Meet the grade-point and course requirements defined by your intended school or department

¢ Make a decision about and declare your major by the end of your sophomore year (60 credit hours.)

¢ Meet regularly with your academic adviser to review degree progress.

Your Career and Academic Pathway

Freshman year

Self-exploration

Goal: Learning more about your own personal values, preferences, characteristics, motivation, talents, strengths and weaknesses.

Activities:

¢ Enroll in PRE 210, a career exploratory class.

¢ Meet with a career counselor at University Career Center, 110 Burge Union, and take a value or interest inventory to start your exploration process.

¢ Explore the resources at the career center, including books such as “What Color Is Your Parachute” and “Occupational Outlook Handbook.”

Sophomore year

Career exploration

Goal: Broadly explore career possibilities by investigating the general expectations of various professions, considering personal characteristics such as values, preferences and talents, and envisioning your future.

Activities:

¢ Conduct an informational interview with a professional in a field that interests you. For more information on such interviews, see the career center staff.

¢ Create opportunities to learn more about different fields of work through volunteer experiences.

¢ Visit with advisors from different academic departments. Departments also may offer career seminars in their field.

¢ Attend the Career and Employment Fair in February, sponsored by the career center. Talk to employers and consider a summer internship or a summer job in your area of interest.

Junior

Experiential Exploration

Goal: Gain experience working in a specific job setting to explore and focus on possible career pathways.

Activities:

¢ Attend resume writing and interviewing workshops to prepare for your future internship and job search.

¢ Attend career fairs in the fall and spring to connect with employers and learn about employment opportunities.

¢ Secure an internship, related job, or volunteer experience during the year or for the summer. Register with your career services office to use their internship services.

¢ Check out on- and off-campus job opportunities posted at the career center.

Senior

Job Search

Goal: Learn to conduct a successful job search by demonstrating self-confidence, communicating thoughtfully, and displaying your knowledge and skills to employers.

Activities:

¢ Enroll in LAS 492 or BUS 600, job search strategies courses for liberal arts and sciences or business students.

¢ Register with career service office to interview on-campus with employers and post your resume on the KU resume site.

¢ Attend job search, interviewing, and resume workshops. Check the career center calendar on the Web for dates and times.

¢ Research companies, organizations, and positions that fit your values, skills, preferences, and strengths. Visit the career center office or Web site for information about targeting and researching companies and nonprofit organizations.

¢ Attend a career fair for the purpose of finding employment opportunities.

Source: Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center publication “Graduate in 4.”