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Career Design Center

Career Milestones

Career milestones serve as foundational checkpoints for career learning. These milestones will help you explore career possibilities and design a plan for your future, prepare for experiential learning opportunities like internships and research, develop and articulate important career readiness skills, build connections with alumni, employers, mentors, and community leaders, and prepare to launch your career.

First-Year Students

Note- These do not need to be completed in any specific order!

  • Activate Handshake
    Handshake has been recognized as the #1 college-to-career network, helping connect students with jobs, internships, employers, and events to help launch your career. The goal is to help every student find a great job and build the foundations of a meaningful career, no matter who you are, where you’re from, or who you know.
  • Complete a Self Assessment (Choose 1)
    Self-reflection lays an important foundation for exploring majors and careers. By understanding your strengths, interests, values, personality, and skills, you can learn how these may align with potential career paths. This self-knowledge and reflection will also help you advocate for yourself throughout your career.
    • Focus 2
    • CliftonStrengths
  • Try Something Out (Choose 1)
    Building experience by trying out new things is essential as you navigate your career journey. Hands-on experiences help you learn more about yourself and the world of work, build important skills, and shape your future opportunities. These activities are designed to help you engage with the campus and local community and build meaningful experiences that will help you decide what is most important to you in the future.
    • Attend a Signature Career Event
    • Find a Part Time Job
    • Volunteer/Community Service
    • Join a Club or Organization
  • Industry & Career Exploration (Choose 1)
    Choosing a career starts with exploring the possibilities. These milestones are designed to help you explore different industries, careers, and opportunities while learning more about yourself. Through these activities, you’ll broaden your understanding of career options and build confidence as you begin making informed decisions about your future.
    • Apply for funding for career exploration through the Career Design Center
    • Attend a Quick Chat with the Career Design Center
    • Attend a Demystifying Careers Event
    • Attend an employer event on Handshake
    • Complete a project on Forage
    • Conduct an informational interview with an alumnus via the Alumni Career Advisor Network
  • Professional Readiness (Choose 1)
    Building your professional identity begins long before you start applying for internships or jobs. Completing these milestones during your first year will help you establish a strong foundation, develop confidence, and prepare for future opportunities. These activities are designed to help you tell your story, build your professional network, and become familiar with the career resources available at Geneseo.
    • Draft a resume using a template from the Career Design Center
    • Get a professional headshot via Iris Photobooth and add to your LinkedIn and Handshake profile
    • Activate LinkedIn account and complete all the LinkedIn essentials listed on the Career Design Center website
    • Complete a LinkedIn Learning course/learning pathway
    • Visit the Knights’ closet and pick out a professional outfit
  • Attend End of Semester Group Ceremony to Receive Online Badge and Milestone Pin
    The final milestone recognizes that career development is a journey rather than a checklist. During the celebration, students receive their online badge and milestone pin while reflecting on what they accomplished during their first year.

Career Milestones for other class years will be coming soon – stay tuned.

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