

HBCU Careers Magazine
13
Along with asking yourself those questions; begin to put those things into action.
• Begin to identify interest, abilities, skills and personal/work values
• Seek career advising to discuss choosing a major and/or identifying possible career options
• Explore a wide variety of majors
• Talk to academic and career advisors about the majors you are seriously considering
• Develop and practice good study habits, organizational and functional skills
• Investigate and join campus organizations that might interest you.
This is a good way to develop
leadership, organizational and planning skills
• Participate in campus activities - get involved in what’s happening on campus
• Seek summer, part-time and volunteer jobs to explore careers and gain valuable experience
• Answer the following four key questions:
1. What do I want to do when I graduate?
2. What can I do with the degree that I am seeking?
3. What do I need to do to develop myself further?
4. How can I ensure that I start the career I am seeking after graduation?
• Read the newspaper and watch the news daily. Keep up with current events
• Register with the Office of Career Services
• Attend ALL activities sponsored by the Office of Career Services
• Create your personal four year career development plan
All things are created twice. We create them first in our minds, and then we work to bring them into
existence.
Own the creations in your mind so that you can then own the process of executing them and
making them real. You cannot pursue anything and be successful at it without first believing that you can
and second putting the time, energy and dedication into making it become a reality.
If your freshmen year is over and you really did not have the quality experience that you thought you
should have, there is time to start over next semester with renewed vigor and excitement about your
educational journey. Don’t worry about the fact that you may not be attending an Ivy League or Flagship
institution. Focus on ensuring that you use all of the resources available to you at your university. Join
a circle of friends who have great aspirations as you do. Spend time with your professors and academic
advisors. Get involved in the full collegiate experience and enjoy the journey to the end of your story!