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 Discovery

Build 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 Experience

Focus 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 Strategy

Target 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 Transition

Prepare 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.