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Congratulations to the seniors who are graduating this spring. As the flowers bloom, you too are blooming into a new part of your life. No matter if you are moving, staying, or something in between, it is good to be prepared for your career before you go with this career checklist.
Keep in Touch with Peers and Advisors
The connections you make in college can last a lifetime. For friends and acquaintances, be sure to get their LinkedIn, Handshake, and work email, so you can stay updated on their career and personal life. Many of these connections can also help you find future opportunities, projects, or offer a lending hand.
It’s also important to stay in touch with your teachers or advisors because they can provide recommendation letters and valuable connections for future opportunities. Be sure to ask explicitly for their permission before leaving the position, so you can list them as a reference. Additionally, bosses can offer mentorship, guiding you through your career path after graduation.
Save Everything
After you graduate, the University will slowly remove students’ emails who are no longer attending school, and you will no longer have access to some of the resources. In turn, it is important to download emails, Canvas assignments, Adobe Cloud projects, and other Mizzou-related websites.
Also, be sure to change your email for Handshake, so you are able to access jobs and event opportunities. Handshake has not only internships, but entry-level jobs that can be perfect for after college. Searching for jobs is easy on Handshake, so make sure to update before it is too late!
Update your Resume and Portfolio
Now that you are going to be searching for long-term jobs, be sure to update your resume and portfolio accordingly. Tailor your resume based on your career identity rather than your school identity.
Another way to show off your work to recruiters is through a website or portfolio. Many majors including journalism, digital storytelling, fine arts, and architecture show their work potential through personalized websites of your work. There are many portfolio websites to choose from and you should choose based on your major and interests. Here are some free options, but I recommend researching each very carefully to make sure it suits your work you want to show.
- Carrd– A free one-page online portfolio with multiple design options and setups
- Vsble A free website builder made for visual artists. It’s incredibly easy to use, and probably one of the reasons for the prevalence of personal sites and online portfolios.
- SquareSpace– A general website and portfolio that is good simple to get started
- Cargo– A very open and adjustable online portfolio that is great for creative majors
- WordPress– An easy interface to work with that is especially good for writing focused portfolios
No matter where you go, Mizzou is here to provide you with support before you graduate. If you have questions about your career or are seeking personalized guidance, the MU Career Center provides career counseling and can help you. The Career Center is open weekdays from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and meetings are available through MU Connect.
By Ana B.