Let’s work together to plan your professional development and reach your career goals! Career Development and Success (CDS) can help you clarify your professional interests, identify career possibilities, find internships/co-ops, network with alumni, connect with employers, prepare for interviews, apply to graduate school and search for jobs. Your professional development begins with your Career Action Plan.
Explore: Freshman Year
- Stop by the Career Development and Success office and pick up your Career Planning Guide
- Complete your profile on Handshake – Rider’s online job management platform
- Check out the CDS website and familiarize yourself with the resources that the office offers
- Read Rider Career Talk, CDS’s bi-weekly e-newsletter, to gain tips and catch workshops and events
- Begin to explore majors and professional interests through academic classes and career programs
- Explore on campus jobs via Handshake to begin developing your professional skills and experience
- Create/update your resume by attending a resume writing workshop and upload it on Handshake
- Take a professional self-assessment (MBTI, Strong) – follow directions on CDS website
- Get to know your Career Coach and begin a conversation about your professional development
- Join student organizations, fraternities/sororities and recreational sports
Engage: Sophomore Year
- Realize your “professional self” by completing The Professional VIPS Evaluation
- Touch base with your Career Coach to identify careers that align with your interests and goals
- Discover career areas linked to your major through “What Can I Do With This Major” on the CDS website
- Consider community service to broaden your professional skills and experience
- Establish relationships with faculty and pre-professional advisors to get input on careers and grad school
- Build a robust LinkedIn profile by going to a CDS workshop
- Utilize Big Interview on the CDS website to beginning practicing your interview skills
- Attend CDS workshops on networking and professional dress
- Connect with alumni and other professionals through The Rider Shadow Experience
- Continue to participate in academic clubs, multicultural organizations and arts/cultural groups
Experience: Junior Year
- Research the career areas that align with your interests, skills, experience and goals
- Utilize Handshake to collect information on employers, internships/co-ops, fellowships and jobs
- Meet with your Career Coach to hone in on your career areas of interest and tailor your resume
- Collect information and network by attending on-campus employer recruiting events
- Gain professional skills and experience through internships, co-ops and research opportunities
- Sharpen your interviewing skills by setting up a one-on-one mock interview with your Career Coach
- Attend the Fall and Spring Rider Career Fairs to meet employers and submit your resume for internships
- Attain leadership positions in student organizations and leadership programs
- Begin the grad school application process - go to workshops and standardized test strategy sessions
- Expand your professional network through programs and events and keep track of contact information
Execute: Senior Year
- Schedule several meetings with your Career Coach to create a job search plan with goals and timeline
- Make a list of 20 prospective employers using resources like Handshake, Indeed and other tools
- Complete five information interviews with alumni or other contacts in your professional network
- Refine your resume to include internships/co-ops, leadership roles, community service and more
- Draft a cover letter that can be revised for various employers and job opportunities
- Attend a CDS workshop on interviewing and professionalism
- Update your profile on Handshake and actively apply for jobs
- Attend the Fall and Spring Rider Career Fairs to meet employers and submit your resume for jobs
- Interview with employers by participating in On-Campus Interviewing or on site at potential employers
- Evaluate and respond to job offers and graduate school acceptances - Congratulations!