Newcomer Tips

The Freshman-Sophomore Advising Center provides the following tips to Kansas University underclassmen:

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.

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.