Career Action Plan

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The Career Action Plan (CAP) is a personal, step-by-step method to discover your career objectives. By printing this form, and filling out each section, you will discover what majors and careers align with your own interests, values, and strengths. Here is an opportunity to really invest upfront in yourself to begin (or change) your career path.

To progress in your career development, we have outlined a year-by-year road map for you to follow.

Career Action Plan PDF
1

Discover Yourself and Engage

  • Meet with a Career Specialist and develop an initial Career Action Plan (CAP)
    • Use the Career Success Plan Tracker to record your progress
    • Create a master resume and have it reviewed by a Career Specialist
    • Create LinkedIn and AGGIE| Handshake profiles
    • Reflect on "Telling Your Story" and draft an 'anywhere pitch'
    • Consider a career assessment to explore options
      • The FOCUS 2 is the FREE career assessment and the StrengthsFinder required a fee of $12 if you purchase with the Huntsman School. You will receive a digital copy of the book along with web access to your results.
      • Purchase a StrengthsFinder Assessment Code
  • Familiarize yourself with the HSB careers website and connect with the HSB on social media
  • Attend Focused Friday events
  • Gain relevant experience and learn about Huntsman experiential learning opportunities (Career Exploration Trips, Global Learning)
  • Consider options for professional attire
  • Attend campus career fairs and information sessions to establish relationships with employers and discover positions for work experience
  • Join a HSB club or professional organization
  • Enroll in MGMT 1000: Intro to Careers course over the next two years if available
  • Meet with your Academic Advisor to discover marketable major and minor combinations
  • Consider summer opportunities over the next two years to engage in career and professional development
 
2

Develop and Research

  • Meet with a Career Specialist to update your CAP and develop a job and internship search strategy
    • Update LinkedIn profile and continue to build a professional business network, including faculty and USU alumni
    • Complete a video Hirevue and in-person mock interview utilizing the STAR response method
    • Update profile in AGGIE|Handshake customizing preferences
    • Create a cover letter and tailored resume to a specific job/internship
    • Create a reference sheet identifying professional relationships with employers and faculty and request LinkedIn recommendations
  • Continue to be actively involved and consider a leadership role in HSB and campus clubs or professional organizations
  • Participate in a Global Learning Experience over the next two years
  • Identify and acquire industry specific technical skills
  • Gain professional experience through employer-based projects, introductory internships and add to master resume
  • Develop a habit of attending Focused Friday events to discover careers and network
  • Gain understanding of Career Readiness skills through activities and presentations
  • Use the summer to get ready for early fall career events in the Huntsman School and on campus (professional documents, networking and interview skills)
 
3

Articulate and Experience

  • Leverage fall semester to apply and interview for internships with companies attending recruiting events and career fairs
  • Reflect on your coursework and co-curricular experiences to narrow your career options; practice "Telling Your Story" to employers
  • Pursue leadership experience in a HSB, campus, community or professional club/organization
  • Participate in a national and/or international career trip or experience
  • Research and learn current industry language and trends for field of interest
  • Articulate Career Readiness Skills and your strengths in master resume and interviews
  • Explore the career benefits of graduate school and determine program specific deadlines for timely admission
  • Establish one professional mentorship relationship
  • Solidify references considering faculty and previous /current employers
  • Complete CAP and revise as needed with a Career Specialist
 
4

Navigate Career Options and Obtain Employment

  • Formulate negotiation strategy in preparation for securing a full-time job offer
  • Continue to participate in mock interviews to evaluate and improve skills
  • Use the Career Success Plan Tracker to review your progress and identify any gaps in your preparation
  • Become a mentor to others in your clubs and organizations
  • Report internships and job offers to Career Development
  • Continue networking at Focused Friday events, information sessions and campus career fairs
  • Ensure graduate and professional school application deadlines are met in a timely manner
  • Request letters and LinkedIn recommendations from faculty and other relevant contacts
  • Update LinkedIn with your new job