First Year Checklist from SBS Career & Professional Development

Be an active participant in your career and professional development by completing the action items on this list by the end of your first year.  This will ensure that you are keeping yourself on track in your professional development.  Many seniors say they wish they had started sooner.  Get a head start now!

Consider this your professional development “To Do” list for your freshman year.

College is preparation for life! Dive in with enthusiasm and curiosity, ask questions, and keep an eye out for role models.

  • Explore the wide range of career fields open to you. Get some ideas about what you can do with your major here.
  • Get resume advice from an SBS Pathways Peer Advisor – whether you think you have anything to put on a resume or not.  Our Peer Advisors can help you see all the things that you didn’t know you could put on a resume. You want to have a resume ready to go if an unexpected opportunity arises, and you will need a resume to apply for jobs and internships.  Build a strong résumé by getting involved – participate in a student organization, or start your own group. Check out our sample resumes here.
  • Create your profile in UMass’ Handshake database, which has listings of internships and jobs from employers who are seeking UMass students, information on events, appointment scheduling and more! Add a photo to get the most impact and views from employers!
  • Participate in at least one campus activity. This helps you not only enjoy your time at UMass and make friends, but can allow you to build important skills like public speaking, collaboration, and follow-through.
  • Stay up-to-date on SBS Career & Professional Development information, advice, and events by always reading your Wednesday email from the Pathways Center, and selecting your content preferences by logging in to the Pathways website. Follow us on Instagram.
  • Begin to build a strong professional network that will last during your time at UMass and beyond. Get started with LinkedIn – your primary tool for building your online, professional brand.  Sign up for the Connect UMass to connect with alumni for help with resumes, interviewing, or to have conversations and get advice.
  • Consider the possibility of studying abroad at some point while you are a student at UMass. Start planning with your academic advisor.
  • Learn about our SBS Signature Programs, such as SBS Shadows, SBS in DC, SBS RISE, and more. Think about how you might get involved.

Always attend classes and seek out support to succeed in your courses – strong grades and good relationships with instructors will make you stand out when seeking an internship or job.  There is a saying that “80% of success is just showing up.” Being a person who shows up will yield incredible benefits for you.

Plan for the coming Summer: Gain experience via work, internship or volunteering. Each position you hold helps build your track-record for the next level of responsibility or professional development.  Not sure how to get started on your search?  Make an appointment with one of your SBS career advisors!