Career Planning Guide

When it comes to preparing for your career, it’s important to start early. Consider these suggestions as you navigate your time at Grand View University:

First Year

Consider college as preparation for life. College is much more than education training. Make the most of your college years intellectually, socially, and vocationally. Start growing your network by joining a campus club!
Take the Career Explorer Assessment to help you identify and explore possible career paths based on your personality, skills, and values - meet with the Career Center to review your results.
Get to know your GV Complete Coach.
Review Career Center Resources and GV's Common Job Titles in myGVU to explore majors and career path options.
Get involved in campus organizations and activities that can be found on the Student Activities page.
Consider on-campus employment and seasonal or part-time jobs that help you gain skills and experience. Search for positions in Handshake.
Create a LinkedIn account to help establish your professional brand and keep track of your connections throughout college.
Complete your profile in Handshake (log in using your GV email address and password) and consider downloading the Handshake app.
Create a resume that starts incorporating your college experiences.

Sophomore Year

Secure on-campus employment and seasonal or part-time jobs that help you gain skills and experience.
Get involved with community organizations and volunteer activities.
Participate in a Grand View Student Leadership program. Campus involvement, especially a leadership position, enables you to acquire transferable skills, collaborate with a network of student leaders, and gain valuable experience that will help set you apart from others during your future job search or grad school applications.
Learn more about a variety of careers by completing an informational interview and/or job shadow with an industry professional.
Attend Career Center and campus club events that help build your network and connect with employers.
Learn how to write a cover letter that is tailored to specific jobs and internships. Email careerpeer@grandview.edu for assistance writing and editing cover letters.
Consider coursework that further develops your career readiness, such as career and self-development, communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and technology.

Junior Year

Start preparing for graduation. Check with your academic advisor to be certain you will meet all graduation requirements.
Plan for an internship with your advisor, and start applying for internships or part-time jobs that are relevant to your career plans.
Complete a mock interview in the Career Center.
Attend employer events on campus and in the community.
Explore the NACE Career Readiness Competencies and identify which competencies you need to further develop during your time at Grand View.
Meet with the Career Center to make sure your application materials represent you well. Be ready to begin your job search as soon as your senior year begins.
If you plan to go to graduate/professional school, use Mometrix (free study guides, practice tests, and flashcards) to start studying for entrance exams.
Check with your academic advisor to be certain you will meet all graduation requirements and file a petition for graduation (PDF).

Senior Year

Gain relevant experience by completing an internship, or work a part-time job related to your career plans.
Make sure your application materials (e.g., resume and cover letter) and social media represent you well. Update your LinkedIn profile to show that you’re open to work.
Register for and attend Career Center and Des Moines area employer events, or complete the graduate and professional school application process during the fall semester.
Network with employers on and off campus, letting them know you're searching for jobs. Utilize the Career Center, faculty, staff, friends, alumni, LinkedIn, Handshake, and professional associations.
Get registered with the Career Center for employer interviews and participate in our employer interview day events or complete graduate school application process during the fall semester.
Visit with employers about opportunities at a career day.
Identify and research employers, completing informational interviews with people who work careers of interest.
Submit a Grand View graduation application.
Apply for jobs through Handshake and other job search sites.
Learn about salary negotiation, and be prepared to negotiate job offers.