Being in college allows for countless opportunities to learn new information, meet new people, and engage in new experiences. This four-year plan highlights some of the main steps you will need to take on your journey to academic and career success here at IU Indianapolis and beyond. Your path might repeat a step or two, or even take a different turn, but the steps noted below will help you reach your goals!
Your map to success
Your first year
- Use resources to learn about yourself and to explore majors and careers
- Review degree maps for required courses
- Meet with a student success advisor or career consultant to discuss major and career options
- Attend Major Career Information Day, Fall Career Week, and other events to learn from faculty, staff, alumni, and employers
- Conduct an informational interview or job shadow
- Learn how to apply or transition to your degree-granting school
- Confirm your major
Your second year
- Join an IU Indianapolis club related to your interests or major
- Participate in a summer internship or volunteer activity
- Create your first college resume and continue to update it
- Continue to attend major and career events and develop your network
- Meet with an advisor to plan classes and confidently update your major if needed
- Transition into your degree-granting school
Your third year
- Participate in an engaged learning opportunity (e.g., study abroad, research, service learning)
- Participate in events and organizations within your degree-granting school
- Take a career development course related to your major
- Attend career events that relate to your major for networking and guidance
- Apply for major-related internships
- Meet with your school’s career office and update your resume
- Meet with your school advisor to plan courses and to ensure progress toward a minor or certificate
Your fourth year
- Participate in engaged learning opportunities to continue gaining experience and skills
- Meet with your school advisor to apply for graduation and to conduct a final check
- Research potential employers or graduate school opportunities
- Meet with your career office for assistance with your job search, to finalize career application materials (e.g., cover letter, resume, portfolio) for employment or graduate school, and to conduct mock interviews
- Graduate!