Career Planning
The Career Center is here to assist you with career planning because we understand that arriving at your career goal is not always a linear process! Review the Career Planning Process below as a guide for planning your career success. Explore the resources in each step to assist you with becoming career ready.
Career Readiness is key to ensuring successful entrance into the workforce. Being career ready means taking the knowledge acquired in your academic courses and applying it to opportunities that will develop your professional skills. Acquiring career readiness skills will help set you apart in a highly competitive workforce.
Cal Poly Pomona has identified eight career readiness competencies defined by NACE.
1. Self- Assessment
Ask yourself these questions:
- What are my skills?
- What are my interests?
- What are my work values? What motivates me?
- How does my personality impact my work style?
Resources:
- Career Assessment: Learn how your interests align with career options
- Career Counseling: Assessment results reviewed by a Career Specialist
2. Career Exploration
Spend time to exploring potential career paths:
- Research majors and careers that "fit" your self-assessment
- Identify potential career paths and starting points
- Talk with professionals in your field(s) of interest
- Begin to target specific companies that interest you
Resources:
- Career Counseling: Make an appointment to discuss career exploration
- CPU 1100: Two-unit course to asssit you with career exploration & planning
- Alumni Network: Talk to industry professionals in your field(s) of interest
- What Can I Do With This Major?: Explore career options related to your major
Occupational Guides:
3. Career Preparation
It's time to prepare a plan to gain experience related to your career.
- Focus on appropriate coursework and projects
- Get involved in student clubs related to your field
- Gain experience through internships, part-time jobs, or co-ops
- Develop essential career readiness skills
Resources:
4. Job Search or Graduate School
The final step of the career planning process is to identify your next step after graduation. Will you begin a job search or plan for graduate school?
- Do your career goals require a Masters or Doctorate degree?
- Identify best job search methods for your field
- Design professional resume and cover letter
- Network with alumni and professional associations
- Target your job search to your most desired positions
Resources:
- Graduate School Planning: Plan your next educational endeavor
- Career Counseling: Discuss grad school & jobs with a Career Specialist
- Job Search: Review the suggested steps to a succesful job search
- Career Fairs: Network with companies that you're interested in working for