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Hornet Career Roadmap

Freshmen Targets & Action Steps:

Our freshmen targets include career exploration, skill building, getting connected, and professional preparation. These targets support the NACE career and self-development and professionalism competencies.

  • Take career assessments to identify interests and values
  • Attend at least one academic department or college-hosted event
  • Complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with 3 career outcome options related to your major

Skill Building

  • Attend skill-building workshops hosted by the Office (e.g., time management, communication, professional etiquette)
  • Identify 2–3 professional skills you’d like to improve this semester
  • Complete one micro-internship, volunteer, or campus-based opportunity that builds transferable skills

Getting Connected

  • Introduce yourself to your Career Coach in the Office of Career Services (OCS)
  • Join a student organization related to your major or interests
  • Explore service learning, student work, or volunteer opportunities

Professional Preparation

  • Create a college-level resume with guidance from OCS
  • Build a basic LinkedIn profile and connect with at least 5 peers or mentors
  • Begin exploring internship expectations and examples using Handshake or Parker Dewey

Sophomore Targets & Action Steps:

Our sophomore targets focus on major and career alignment, building meaningful experiences, and developing a personal brand. These goals support the NACE competencies of critical thinking, communication, and career development.

  1. Opportunity Search
    •  Actively search and apply for internship, fellowship, or externship opportunities based on your major
    • Attend a workshop on how to use Handshake, Parker Dewey, and Blackboard effectively
  2. Hands-On Professional Development
    • Enroll in UNIV-291 (Braven) or UNIV-290 for exempt majors and earn 3 credits while building key competencies
    • Meet with a Career Coach to complete a NACE competency assessment and identify development goals
    • Attend workshops, career expos, and industry panels to build your network and interview readiness
    • Participate in “Collaborative Coffee Chats” to learn how others found internships or opportunities
  3. Personal Brand Development
    • Update your LinkedIn profile with experiences and accomplishments
    • Create a professional elevator pitch
    • Identify your top three career values and ensure your resume, bio, and involvement reflect them

Junior Targets & Action Steps:

Our junior targets prioritize securing and excelling in internships, leveraging networks, and refining career pathways. This stage emphasizes the NACE competencies of leadership, professionalism, and equity & inclusion.

  1. Internship & Experience Readiness
    • Secure at least one internship, research, or relevant work-based learning experience
    • Apply to two competitive programs aligned with your goals (e.g., TMCF, UNCF, Company-based Programs)
  2. Networking & Mentorship
    • Conduct two informational interviews with professionals or alumni in your field
    • Attend a mock interview or speed networking event hosted by OCS or a department partner
    • Join DSU-PRO mentoring program
  3. Pathway Refinement
    • Review and revise your career goals with a Career Coach using your experience and feedback
    • Complete a mid-year IDP review to assess progress and adjust action steps
  4. Leadership & Professionalism
    • Take on a leadership role in a student org, campus job, or volunteer effort

Senior Targets & Action Steps:

Our senior targets include launching a full-time job or graduate school search, perfecting application materials, and preparing for transition beyond college. These deliverables connect to the NACE competencies of career & self-development, communication, and technology.

  1. Career Launch Prep
    • Finalize a professional resume and tailored cover letter for your desired field
    • Apply to at least 10 full-time jobs, graduate programs, or fellowships
  2. Graduate/Professional School Support
    • Attend a grad school prep workshop (e.g., personal statements, GRE/LSAT prep, financial aid)
    • Request 2–3 recommendation letters and organize your application materials
  3. Job Search Strategy
    • Schedule a Career Strategy Meeting to develop a 60-day job search plan
    • Attend an industry-specific hiring event or recruitment fair
  4. Transition Preparation
    • Complete a “Soft- Launch Adulthood” workshop
    • Learn about managing post-grad finances (loans, salary negotiation, cost of living)

Pathfinders Targets & Action Steps:

Our Pathfinder targets are designed to provide intentional support for students who are off-track or transitioning into the institution, focusing on academic alignment, confidence building, and career clarity. These efforts align with the NACE competencies of career & self-development, adaptability, and critical thinking to help students regain momentum and confidently move forward with their graduating class.

  1. Career Exploration & Planning
    • Identify 3 potential career options related to your current or intended major
    • Build a relationship with OCS and co-create a Personal Career Plan with a Career Coach
  2. Academic & Major Alignment
    • Meet with an academic advisor to map out a revised graduation or credit completion plan
    • Attend a major exploration workshop to confirm alignment between interests and goals
  3. Confidence & Skill Building
    • Participate in a small-group career coaching cohort or support circle for transfer/off-track students
    • Complete at least one project, micro-internship, or campus leadership activity to boost confidence
  4. Re-Engagement & Belonging
    • Get involved in a student org or campus initiative aligned with your interests or identity
    • Attend two events hosted by OCS or your academic department to build communit