PathwaysA Career Development Plan

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HWS offers a comprehensive process designed to prepare students for professional life. The Pathways program encourages you to discover, explore and experience your academic, personal and career-related interests. While this outline begins in your first year, it’s never too late to schedule your first appointment with Career Services.

Outcomes Brochure

First Year: Tap into who you are. Assess your interests, values and skills.

fall semester
  • Download Handshake App & complete profile.
  • Schedule an appointment to make/revise your resume through Handshake under “Resume Formatting with a Career Assistant.”
  • Have a career conversation with a Career Counselor to discuss future goals and learn about Career Services resources. Make “First Time Appointment” through Handshake.
  • Sign up for a job shadow (deadline 11/15) on Handshake.
Spring Semester
  • (If you did not schedule in the fall) Have a career conversation with a Career Counselor to discuss future goals and learn about Career Services  resources. Make “First Time Appointment” through Handshake.
  • Continue to explore careers with your career counselor to further develop resume, discuss career interests and networking – Make “Career Exploration” appointment through Handshake.
  • Apply for a summer job to develop professional skills.
  • (Continue throughout the summer) Explore majors, careers and industries.

Sophomore: Network and research careers. Get involved on campus and within the community.

Fall Semester
  • Attend Networking 101. Sign up on Handshake, under events.
  • Create a LinkedIn Account and explore the Hobart and William Smith Colleges page. Start exploring alumni/ae section.
  • Join the HWS Community & Career Network.
  • Schedule “Networking Appointment” through Handshake. Find 5 alums on LinkedIn or Career Network that you would like to connect with and bring those names to your Networking appointment.
  • Continue to explore careers with your career counselor to further develop resume, discuss career interests and networking- Make “Career Exploration” appointment through Handshake.
  • Start reaching out to alums to get information and advice about their career, industry and/or graduate school experience.
  • Participate in 2 workshops and/or Career Journey events. Sign up on Handshake under events.
  • Sign up for a job shadow (deadline 11/15) on Handshake under jobs.
Spring Semester
  • Attend Interview Essentials. Sign up on Handshake under events.
  • Participate in 2 workshops and/or Career Journey events. Sign up on Handshake under events.
  • Meet with an Employer Developer to discuss summer opportunities if you are seeking an internship. Make “Internship Opportunities” appointment through Handshake.
  • Apply for Guaranteed Unpaid Internship Funding (even if you don't have an internship lined up by the deadline 3/30). Sign up on Handshake under jobs.
  • Apply for FLX Summer Internship Program. Sign up on Handshake under jobs.
  • Apply for HWS Summer Research.
  • Continue networking – reach out to more alums or reconnect with the ones you have already reached out to.

Junior: Develop your action plan; what are you excited about pursuing?

Fall Semester
  • Meet with career counselor to update resume and figure out timeline for applying for summer research and internships. Make “Internship Opportunities” appointment through Handshake.
  • Continue networking and start looking at websites of companies/organizations for internship opportunities and deadlines.
  • Apply for Winter Break (or Spring Break) Career Trek. Sign up on Handshake, under jobs.
  • Continue attending Career Services Events.
Spring Semester
  • Attend Interview Essentials as a refresher or for the first time if you have not done so yet. Sign up on Handshake, under events.
  • Apply, apply, and apply for internships.
  • Use the Career Network and LinkedIn to network with alums/parents.
  • Make an appointment for a Mock Interview with a Career Counselor.
  • Meet with an Employer Developer to discuss summer opportunities if you are seeking an internship. Make “Internship Opportunities” appointment through Handshake.
  • Continue attending Career Services Events. 

Senior: Step forward, put your plan into motion and accomplish your goals.

Fall Semester
  • Meet with career counselor to update resume and figure out timeline for applying for post grad opportunities. Make “Job Search/Opportunities” appointment through Handshake.
  • Use the Career Network and LinkedIn to network with alums/parents.
  • Attend Career Journey events.
  • Look for opportunities/jobs on LinkedIn, Handshake, HWS Career Network and Indeed.
Spring Semester
  • Meet with an Employer Developer to discuss jobs and post grad opportunities. Make “Job Search/Opportunities” appointment through Handshake.
  • Look for opportunities/jobs on LinkedIn, Handshake, HWS Career Network and Indeed and other industry specific resources.
  • Apply, apply, and apply for jobs.
  • Meet with a Career Counselor to edit your resume and cover letter to fit job description. Make a “Resume Quick Edit” or “Cover Letter Review” appointment through Handshake.
  • Use the Career Network and LinkedIn to network with alums/parents.
  • Meet with a Career Counselor for mock interview and find young alums at the companies/organizations you get an interview with to reach out to for interview advice.
  • Continue attending Career Services Events.

HWS Career Network

LinkedIn

Indeed

Job Search Resources by Industry