Freshmen and Sophomores: Ready or Not, Your Career Has Begun
By Bob Orndorff Preparing for your career doesn't begin during your senior year. In fact, it has already begun! The decisions you make and the things you do as a freshman and sophomore greatly impact your ability to reach your career goals as a graduating senior. Let's see how one senior has prepared for her career. The Case of Anita Future Anita Future, a college senior, heads into her college career center for some help in finding a job. She sits down with a career counselor. Let's listen as they discuss what Anita has done during college to prepare herself for a career. Career Counselor (Counselor)
Anita Future (Anita) COUNSELOR: So Anita, what are your plans after graduation?
ANITA: I want to do something in public relations. COUNSELOR: Great, what type of job in PR would you like to pursue?
ANITA: Ah, I don't know, something dealing with people. COUNSELOR: Well, we'll need to narrow that down a bit. Anyway, have you done anything relevant to PR, like completing an internship at a public relations firm?
ANITA: Um, not really. COUNSELOR: That's OK. Have you gotten involved in any activities or clubs on campus that would be relevant-like writing articles for the campus newspaper? Recruiters like to see that you were involved in extracurricular activities and held leadership positions.
ANITA: I didn't get too involved in extracurricular activities. I was a member of the advertising club and went to hear a speaker once. But that's about it. COUNSELOR: How are your grades? Recruiters also like to see that you've done well academically.
ANITA: Not so great. I have a 2.3 grade point average. COUNSELOR: Hmm. Well, do you have a few writing samples that would demonstrate your skills in writing? Recruiters are looking for candidates with strong writing skills, especially in PR!
ANITA: Nothing worth bragging about. I haven't done real good with my term papers. COUNSELOR: How about any study abroad experience or skills in foreign languages? Employers need people who appreciate diversity and know about other cultures.
ANITA: I was planning on going to London my junior year, but things didn't work out. COUNSELOR: Let's talk about your computer skills. In today's information age, you must have strong computer skills, no matter what career field you pursue.
ANITA: Well, I know how to use the Internet. COUNSELOR: How about using a spreadsheet or designing a data base?
ANITA: Um, no, not really. How Well Has Anita Prepared for Her Future? Has Anita done the right things during college to prepare herself well for the world of work? How can this career counselor help her? Remember, career counselors aren't miracle workers! They can only polish up your resume so much. They can't put things on your resume only that you haven't done. Anita, just like every college student, had decisions to make during her college career: - She decided not to study very hard and her grade point average (GPA) shows it.
- She decided not to get involved in extracurricular activities, internships, study abroad, and community service.
- She decided not to develop her computer, writing, and teamwork skills.
And now, as a senior soon to graduate, she's paying the price. Because of the decisions she's made, Anita will have a difficult time realizing her career goals in the near future. Don't be Anita Future. Build a portfolio of skills and abilities that will make you valuable to potential employers. | 
