The Roadmap below is intended to guide students in their professional development, career exploration, and navigation of resources and opportunities. Each student’s professional destination will be different, but every student is encouraged to explore and engage to find their personal route to success.
First Year: Adjust and Discover
Fall Semester
Big PictureGet acclimated Familiarize yourself with resources Make connections through cohorts, clubs, college houses, etc. Explore interests from academics and extracurriculars Practice self-care
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ActionsParticipate in the Amazing Cohort Race and other cohort events Sign up for a cohort mentor (contact your cohort leaders) Join Wharton and Penn student organizations and clubs Review introductory emails from Career Services Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your educational, personal, and professional goals Explore Career Services’ Handshake platform and sign up for industry and pre-grad e-newsletters Consider summer research, internship, and study abroad opportunities: |
Spring Semester
Big PictureDevelop relationships with students, advisors, and professors Cultivate emerging interests from academics and extracurriculars Practice self-care |
ActionsMeet with a Wharton peer advisor for advice on academics, extracurriculars, internships, etc. Assess your interests using the free Career Explorer self-assessment platform Create or shape your résumé and cover letters Watch the Career Exploration Panel Series Take your professor or a PhD student to lunch
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Summer
Big PictureExpand on interests Have meaningful summer experiences |
ActionsEnjoy your summer!
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Second Year: Explore and Connect
Fall Semester
Big PictureBecome more involved on campus Connect with upperclassmen and identify mentors Continue career exploration Familiarize yourself with internship timelines and Career Services resources
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ActionsSign up to mentor a first-year student through the cohort mentorship program (check email) Meet with your academic advisor and peer advisors to discuss your educational, personal, and professional goals Meet with Career Services staff or Peer Career Advisors Keep your résumé up-to-date Attend Sophomore Strategy: How to Effectively Search for Summer Opportunities and Internships Attend career fairs, Career Services events, and club-hosted info sessions to explore companies, industries, and potential positions Go to Sophomore Experience events Consider signature experiences:
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Spring Semester
Big PictureFinalize summer plans and logistics Determine how to get the most out of your summer
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ActionsAttend career fairs and company information sessions based on interest Develop skills, like networking and interviewing, through workshops Apply for summer funding if you are pursuing an unpaid or underpaid opportunity Check the Career Services calendar for and attend programming on summer opportunities Update your profile in and familiarize yourself with MyPenn
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Summer
Big PictureParticipate in meaningful summer experiences Continue to evaluate interest in job responsibilities and industry Prepare for fall recruiting (as necessary)
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ActionsParticipate in summer internship/work, research, or study abroad Attend recruiting events and networking receptions hosted by companies (Handshake) |
Third Year: Experience and Refine
Fall Semester
Big PictureReflect on your summer Consider what internships/ experiences might be right for you Familiarize yourself with hiring timelines and Career Services resources Pursue mentorship and leadership opportunities Practice self-care
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ActionsComplete the Career Services Summer Survey (check email) Meet with Career Services staff or peer career advisors to to prep for interviewing Attend career fairs and information sessions based on interest Participate in mock interviews (sign up via Handshake) and brush up on your interviewing skills Become a cohort mentor Shop for professional clothing at the Quaker Career Closet Sign up for an MBA mentor through GUIDE Consider applying for:
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Spring Semester
Big PictureFinalize internship details and summer logistics Continue pursuing and developing mentorship relationships Practice self-care |
ActionsCheck in with your academic advisor to stay on track toward your graduation date Attend career fairs and information sessions based on interest Meet with Career Services staff or peer career advisors to stay on track Apply for summer funding if you are pursuing an unpaid or underpaid opportunity
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Summer
Big PictureBuild and improve on soft/technical skills and strengths Reflect on summer experience and think of ideal work culture and location |
ActionsReview Career Services’ competency worksheet to identify areas of strength and potential growth Network and determine fit within the organization Pursue return offer if desired Prepare to apply for graduate school if relevant
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Fourth Year: Transition and Impart
Fall Semester
Big PicturePrepare for future – whether working or graduate school Mentor and provide guidance to underclassmen Practice self-care
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ActionsComplete the Career Services Summer Survey (check email) Attend career fairs and information sessions based on interest and participate in on-campus interviewing (OCI) Practice your skills in Mock Interviews (sign up via Handshake) Become a cohort mentor Attend a workshop on salaries and/or negotiating offers Make an appointment with a career advisor or go to same-day advising to stay on track Attend graduate school recruitment fairs (if relevant) Help out with info sessions/panels if offer is secured
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Spring Semester
Big PicturePractice self-care Reflect and plan for life after Wharton and Penn |
ActionsContinue job search or attend graduate school recruitment fairs (if relevant) Complete the Financing Your Future Canvas-based program for graduating students. Familiarize yourself with Alumni Relations resources
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Summer
Big PictureCelebrate the end of your undergraduate education Stay connected |
ActionsComplete the Career Services post-graduation Career Plans Survey Update your contact information
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