• Career Planning Guide, What is it?
  It is a step-by-step process to help you plan your University to Career progress. It is a place to record your values, skills, ideas and dreams. It can help you to set goals and develop plans for your future.
  
  
• I already know what I want to major in. Why should I use the Career Guide?
  50% of all college students in the U.S. change their majors for a variety of reasons. By completing the exercises in the guide, you will learn more about yourself and be able to clarify your values and goals. You should explore the broad range of career options or at least those within your chosen field. As a result you may reaffirm that you have made the right career decision or you may discover this career is not right for you or that another career is a good match with your values, goals, abilities and "passion". In addition, the guide gives you a way of organizing your career development, provides a measurement of your progress, and gives useful tips to achieve your career goal.
  
  
• How much time will it take to complete the Career Guide?
  That depends on you. Some sections may be easy for you to complete while others may require more thought. Some of your answers may be long while others may be short. Remember, this is your career development plan. You commit the time to reflect on yourself, your life, your education and experiences. Gather the information. Take the time. It will be a worthwhile investment in your future.
  
  
• What other Career development resources are available?
  Your advisor, professors, professional organizations, employer, perhaps family and friends. The Career Resource Center, South Hall 1st floor, contains printed, video and Computerized information on all aspects of career development. Career Services can assist you in finding part-time or summer employment and internships. It also provides workshops, special events and individual counseling. Job Shadowing and Mentors can also be arranged by coming to South Hall 205. "Choices" is a career guidance software program located on all computers in the computer labs. Kurt Hofmann, located in Preble Hall oversees the "Service Learning" program and the National Student Exchange Program. Theresa Cyr, located in Emerson Annex, can give you information on clubs, organizations and events on campus.
  
  
• I have completed the Career Planning Guide but I'm still not sure what to major in or what career to pursue. What can I do?
  Talk to your advisor, professor or Career Services, 205 South Hall, 768-9750

About Career Planning

• I've decided on my major, what do I do now?
  Make plans and take action!

  1st year	Attend classes, study and hand in assignments on time Get involved in co-curricular activities Visit the Career Center Take self-assessment and interest tests Explore and research career options Complete the Career Planning Guide Create your ePortfolio and resume Do some volunteer work Attend the Majors Fair Do workstudy or part-time job (no more than 15 hrs.)
  2nd year	Put the time and effort into your classes Identify your career goal and career path plan Look for an internship or summer job in your field Take on a leadership role in co-curricular activities Update and add to your ePortfolio or major Portfolio Get to know your advisor and career counselor Do Service Learning
  3rd year	Take on new challenges, adventures, and leadership roles Get the most out of your classes and strive to do your best Pursue internships and seek out mentors in your career field Get a part-time job, if possible, in your field Create a target list of employers you would like to work for Research these employers and make contacts Conduct Informational Interviews with employers Update and add to your ePortfolio or major Portfolio Seek career advice from your advisor and career counselor Attend Job Fairs, Career Workshops & Events Research Graduate, Law or Medical Schools Take appropriate career exams
  4th year	Take on new "Adventures and Opportunities" Be proud, have fun and get on the Dean's List Keep in close contact with your advisor and mentors Take exams required by certain careers Network, network, network Join your professional organization Update and add to your ePortfolio or major Portfolio Refine your resume and cover letter Create your "Professional Portfolio" Choose and contact your references Practice your interview skills Learn Job Search Skills Contact and apply to employers you want to work for Attend Job Fair, Job Search Workshops, Senior Success Event, Etiquette Dinner and Professional Dress Event Interview with recruiters on campus Evaluate interviews and send "thank you" notes Take Graduate, Law or Medical Entrance Exams Apply to Graduate, Law or Medical School Attend Graduate School Workshop

  
  
  
• What else can I do to maximize my opportunities to achieve my career goals?
  Determine your career goal and what it takes to achieve it by researching the field, talking to your advisor, professors, career counselor and professionals in the field. And take action to achieve your career goal by making the most of your experience here at UMPI. In other words, study, get good grades, get involved in your major, clubs, activities and career events on campus. Take advantage of internships, service learning, field trips and other educational experiences. Get to know your advisor and professors so they can help you. Network with the professionals in your field.
  "Take the challenge to experience new adventures."
  
  
• Where can I get help writing my resume and cover letter, putting together my "professional portfolio" and with my job search?
  Your advisor or Career Services, 205 South Hall, 768-9750, devaney@umpi.maine.edu
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  Updated Feb 2 2006