Your 4-Year Career Action Plan
Maximize your Vassar experience with year-by-year recommendations tailored to your academic journey.
First Year
Transition, Exploration and DiscoveryBuild foundational habits and explore options.
- Set up and explore your Handshake account to book appointments and find events of interest.
- Complete self-assessments to identify core interests, skills, and values.
- Draft your college resume with CCE templates and get feedback at CCE Drop-In Hours.
- Get involved in student organizations and campus activities.
Sophomore Year
Major Decisions and Hands-On ExperienceFocus on academic pathways and leadership.
- Declare your major and attend the Majors Fair.
- Explore Study Away and summer experiential learning opportunities.
- Step into leadership roles within campus clubs and organizations.
- Attend CCE skill workshops and networking prep sessions.
- Begin to make valuable alum connections by attending Sophomore Career Connections and other career-related alum programming.
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals to learn about careers of interest.
Junior Year
Applied Experience and StrategyTarget internships and professional connections.
- Secure an internship or research position in your field of interest.
- Reach out to Vassar alums via LinkedIn, VassarNet, and the Alum Directory.
- Research graduate/professional school possibilities, the application procedures, and deadlines. Register and prepare for admission tests such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT or GMAT.
- Request letters of recommendation from faculty and supervisors.
Senior Year
Execution and TransitionPrepare for life after graduation.
- Refine and polish your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview skills.
- Apply to jobs, graduate/professional school, and/or fellowships.
- Attend senior-specific CCE job search workshops and recruiting events.
- Transition from student to active member of the Vassar Alum Network.