Second Year

During your second year, investigate career paths in your chosen field.  Here are some specific things you can do on your journey of becoming a fulfilled, educated professional in the field of your choice:

Start clarifying and confirming your career choice by gaining career-related work experience through volunteerism, part-time jobs or internships.  

Build your resume and strengthen your interpersonal skills by volunteering as a peer mentor for the First Year Student mentoring program.  You will help support the successful transition of a first-year student to our community and learn how to access important support resources at the University.

Take courses in subjects of interest or within your chosen major, including a class with a service-learning component that will allow you to apply academic knowledge and skills to address community issues.  Get involved with The Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change for opportunities to engage with and serve our community.

Use online tools to explore career options in your major, like Candid Career's occupational profile videos or What Can I Do With This Major?

Build experience by job shadowing or conducting informational interviews with local employer partners, organizations and alumni mentors.  This will give you the opportunities to ask questions about a specific field, see first-hand what the job entails, and reflect on the experience. 

As you build experiences, start developing your personal brand. This is a professional identity that will help you stand out to prospective employers. Make connections by actibvating and completing your profile on Handshake and by building a profile on LinkedIn.  Follow companies and organizations that relate to your professional or occupational interests. 

Visit The Career Center to have your resume critiqued. Use our Resume Writing Guide to learn more about resumes and cover letters. When developing your resume, include transferable skills from all of your previous work or leadership experiences.

Attend informational workshops and programs to connect with employers and explore your career options.

Discover opportunities through studying abroad and internships that will foster professional and personal growth.  Search Handshake for part-time, seasonal or internship opportunities.

Explore student organizations to further define or broaden your interests, develop additional skills, and expand your network. Take advantage of all MU has to offer at Get Involved.