Many CLASS majors come to the Career Services Center with questions such as "Do you have a list of employers who hire _____ majors?" or "What can I do with my major in _________ ?" An analysis of employee backgrounds in all organizations, from all areas of employment, show that CLASS find careers in all types of organizations. The key to success in doing so is your attitude and preparedness to effectively market yourself.

For you to carry out a successful career search you have to take a very active role.

It is true that few employers visit campuses to recruit non-technical graduates. This DOES NOT mean that your search for a career position is hopeless. There are many methods to find work other than using the on-campus recruiting route. Come into the Career Services Center, see an advisor, map out a strategy for success, and get moving.
Consider the following steps for preparation:

• Register in your freshman year with the Career Services Center.
• Take CSC 121, 224, or 321, and learn how to develop a Personal Job Search.
• See an academic advisor and a Career Coordinator for individual advice and guidance.
• Do an evaluation of your skills, abilities, strengths/weaknesses as they relate to functions or previously held part-time, full-time, summer, internships or co-op jobs.
• Conduct Informational Interviews with employers in career fields of interest. Your Career Coordinator can help you in creating an informational interview format/strategy.
• Participate in the intern/co-op program to gain work related experience and explore career options.
• Use volunteer activities as a means to gain additional knowledge, skills and information.
• Develop realistic short term career goals (perhaps what you would like to pursue for the first few years out of college) that you believe in and are comfortable with.
• Develop a job search strategy utilizing what you have learned from individual counseling with your career advisor and the advice you got from your Informational Interviews.
• Develop a networking log to assist you in tracking all professional contacts you have made and would like to make.
• Implement your strategy using all resources at hand. Don’t rely strictly on one resource. Be persistent and stick to it. Signup for as many on-campus interviews as you are able but don’t rely on it as your only source.
• Consider graduate school if appropriate. This search needs an early start as well, especially if you are intent on securing an assistantship. Use the materials in the Career Library, the ChoicesPlanner online self-assessment tool, and your faculty advisors to begin this search. The Peterson's Guide to Graduate Schools is also an excellent resource and is available in most libraries.

Other strategies you may try are: approaching employers directly, joining professional organizations and attending their meetings, sending résumés, using personal contacts, following up on newspaper ads, and approaching previous or current employers.

When you are thoroughly prepared you feel more confident and have more control of your future. The end result of a well planned, assertive effort will be a position that will be the first step in your evolving career.