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Career-Ready Checklists

Success Starts Here

Preparing for a successful career is an exciting and pivotal part of your college experience. At the Allan Center, we’re dedicated to equipping you with the skills and experiences you need to excel in the professional world. The Career Ready Checklist is here to guide you through every stage of your academic career, helping you to build a strong foundation for the future.

Explore the checklist for each stage of your journey: first year, second year, third year, and fourth year.

A first-year student sits with a UHart Career Partner and practices her interviewing skills.

First Year: Assess and Explore

Want to land like a true Hawk in year four? Here’s how to get started in year one.

1. Log In to Handshake

It's the career network built just for you. Don't have an account? Create one.

Open Handshake
2. Take the TypeFocus Assessment

See if your skills match your major.

Open The Assessment
3. Attend the Fall Career Fair

Start networking and exploring opportunities without leaving campus.

Learn More
4. Create A Resume

Make an appointment with Allan Center Ambassador.

Make An Appointment
5. Visit the Career Closet

Select a professional outfit to keep! (GSU 200B)

Learn More
6. Attend Career Exploration Day

Visit potential employers and get a behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life at their companies.

Learn More
7. Join A Club

Join a club or student organization that aligns with your career goals

Learn More
8. Attend A Spring Career Fair

Attend a spring career fair to get insight from and connect with alumni and industry leaders.

Learn More
9. Create a LinkedIn Profile

With help from the Allan Center team, put your best digital foot forward!

Make An Appointment
UHart students networking at a Career Studio event.

Second Year: Explore and Connect

Your second year is a time to explore potential career paths and start building a network that will help you take flight. 

1. Attend the fall Career Fair

Attend the fall Career Fair to continue networking or land an internship.

Learn More
2. Explore What Jobs Your Degree Can Lead To

Visit the "What can I do with my major?" page to explore jobs that match for major and/or minor.

Learn More
3. Work On Your Networking Skills

Attend ‘Mocktails’ in the fall to start working on your networking skills in a simulated event.

4. Attend Career Exploration Day

Attend Career Exploration Day in the fall to explore additional employers.

Learn More
5. Build Skills with Real-World Projects

Complete a short-term project on Parker Dewey or a virtual simulation on Forage to boost your resume.

Explore Opportunities
7. Attend A Spring Career Fair

Attend at least one Career Fair in the spring to immerse yourself in a potential opportunity.

Learn More
8. Go To A Professional Development Workshop

Attend at least one professional development workshop to review your resume, get advice on job applications, and more.

Learn More
9. Build Connections on LinkedIn

If you haven't already, create a LinkedIn profile and start connecting with your classmates, UHart alumni, and professionals you've met at Career Studio events.

Get Started
10. Start Using Big Interview

Build up your interview skills in preparation for professional opportunities.

11. Explore Opportunities for Your Major

Complete the "What Can I Do With This Major?" worksheet to map out potential career paths.

12. Create A Cover Letter

Work with a Career Ambassador to draft a cover letter template you can adapt to multiple job applications.

Make an Appointment
A UHart student sits with a professional during Career Exploration Day.

Third Year: Connect and Develop

Continue your upward momentum in your third year by following this checklist–make connections on and off campus and develop your skills.

1. Complete A Micro-Internship

Execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring career paths.

Get Started
2. Practice Your Interview Skills

Use Big Interview to practice your interview skills.

Learn More
3. Attend Career Exploration Day

Attend Career Exploration Day in the fall and select a company you want to be hired by.

Learn More
4. Attend the Dining Etiquette Dinner

Learn the dos and don't of formal dinner etiquette in a familiar setting.

Learn More
5. Build Skills with Real-World Projects

Complete a short-term project on Parker Dewey or a virtual simulation on Forage to boost your resume.

Explore Opportunties
6. Connect with An Alumni Mentor

Meet with an alumni mentor for a 30-minute phone call.

Learn More
7. Attend A Career Field Takeover

Attend at least one Career Field Takeover to immerse yourself in a potential opportunity.

Learn More
8. Attend A Professional Development Workshop

Attend at least one professional development workshop to review your resume, get advice on job applications, and more.

Learn More
9. Complete An Internship

Haven't found one yet? Visit the Career Studio!

10. Attend Mock Interview Day

Practice your interviewing skills with real professionals in a learning environment.

11. Take A Professional Headshot

Get a free, professional headshot courtesy of the Allan Center.

Learn More
12. Get Feedback On Your Resume

Scan your resume through Big Interview to get immediate feedback.

A UHart student beams with pride as she lands a job before graduation.

Fourth Year: Develop and Land

Refine your skills, polish your resume, and set your sights on the opportunities that await you. In your fourth year, become a hawk that lands!

1. Polish Up Your Resume

Make sure your resume is perfect using Big Interview and meeting with a Career Ambassador.

2. Land An Interview

Attend the fall Career Fair and land an interview for a full-time job.

3. Practice Interviewing

Practice interviewing with a career ambassador or an alum.

Make an Appointment
4. Expand Your Network

Explore CampusCT and find professional groups and activities to join.

Learn More
5. Attend A Spring Career Fair

Attend at least one spring career fair to get insight from and connect with alumni and industry leaders.

Learn More
6. Seek Professional Development

Attend at least two professional development workshops.

7. Attend A Salary Negotiation Workshop

Learn how to negotiate salaries based on your skills and experience.

Attend an Event
8. Create A Five Year Plan

Create a five-year launch plan with a career team member to map out your professional goals.

9. Share Your Success

Report to the Allan Center where you have landed!

Share My Story
10. Sign The Senior Banner

Leave your mark during a celebratory send-off as we honor your next big move!

11. Complete The First Destination Survey

It only takes 5–7 minutes, and your input helps us better understand how we can support students like you.

12. Celebrate with President Ward

Attend the celebration of YOU with a toast by President Ward.

Share My Story