FRESHMAN YEAR

As a freshman, you're concentrating on making the transition from high school to college.  Right now your career may seem a long way off.  But even at this early stage, there are steps you should take to start preparing for the job search that will come faster than you imagine.  The key to is start seeking out opportunities now to develop your professional self-confidence and your capacities for leadership.  Evidence of leadership activity while a student will be an invaluable enhancement of your resume when you finally seek a first full-time professional job.   

STEP 1: Connect + Engage = Career Advantage

  • Connect yourself with CSUSB’s Career Development Center to learn about campus career resources and to begin using them –  the sooner the better.
  • The Career Development Center is located on the 3rd floor of University Hall (UH-329, telephone 909-537-5250).  Walk in during open hours for an orientation tour, or make an appointment for help with a special need, like polishing your resume or practicing job interviews.

STEP 2: Self-Assessment: Match Your Interests, Abilities,

              & Strengths to Major & Career Opportunities

  • Explore Discover, a web-based career self-assessment tool.  Discover's career planning program helps you match your personality and interests to the career fields that may best suit you and the college education needed for a job in a field you desire.

STEP 3: Nurture the Leader in You

 

  • When the time comes in your senior year to apply for a full-time position, evidence of involvement in student activities in a leadership role, along with internship or other work experience, will make your resume and application significantly more attractive to prospective employers.  So as soon as you're ready, it pays to get involved in student, work, or volunteer activities that will help you cultivate social and leadership skills and your self-confidence as a future business or public administration professional.  Explore these education and career-enhancing options:
    Join one of CBPA's student organizations.
    Seek out leadership opportunities in other University student organizations and clubs.
    Enroll in Student Leadership and Development's Leadership Academy
    Sign up for CoyoteLink, a web-based job board provided free to CSUSB students by the Careeer Development Center, to search for part-time job openings in an area or location that interests you.
    Consider other on-campus and/or local part-time employment opportunities announced by acmpus email; or submit an application at a department or office on campus where you'd like to be considered for a future opening.
    Look for community service-learning opportunities, many which may offer academic credit, through Coyote Careers.
    Find other resume-enhancing volunteer opportunities at these web sites: Volunteers of America, Volunteermatch.org. 
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STEP 4: Connect with an Academic Advisor

  • Take the initiative: seek help with academic advising for programs, courses, requirements, and options.
  • For students who haven't yet declared a concentration, CBPA’s Advising and Resource Center can provide guidance in selecting a concentration and choosing the right courses. The Center is located in JB-134 (909-537-3386).