Explore, Experience, Achieve

Please print a pdf copy of the Paths to Success to refer to throughout your college career.

1st YEAR

Academic

• Get to know your academic advisor. Meet with your advisor to review your academic plan each semester and discuss your Humboldt experience.
• Connect with the Academic and Career Advising Center (ACAC) to learn about all the majors and minors Humboldt has to offer.
• Enhance your learning habits and time-management skills by visiting the Learning Center, attending Library SkillShops, and talking with your professors.
• Ask lots of questions - get the most out of your education.

Career

• Create a profile in Humboldt Handshake online job database, and search for jobs, professional opportunities, and career-related events.  
• Meet with a career advisor to discuss tips for the job/internship application process and explore your strengths, interests, skills, and values in relation to career exploration.
• Learn how to build career-related experience throughout your time at Humboldt and explore long-term career goals.
• Familiarize yourself with the Academic and Career Advising website resources, including major-specific information, sample resumes, and other job related resources.

Personal

• Learn how to manage your stress and anxiety at counseling.humboldt.edu. Exercise and maintain regular hours for sleep and meals. Find more resources at basicneeds.humboldt.edu. 
• Explore your interests; join at least one student organization, club, or activity. 
• Attend ACAC events like the Part-time Job Fair and Graduate School Fair at the beginning of each fall semester. Visit campus events for full event listings.
• Invest time to reflect on your personal growth; attend Library SkillShops to help with skills such as resilience, money management, and healthy relationships.
• Got the travel itch? Look into your options for studying abroad.

2nd YEAR

Academic

• Take classes that interest you and also fulfill major and general education requirements. Your academic advisor can help you explore options.
• Consider adding a minor or taking electives, which may enhance your employability.
• Instructors want to help you succeed. Visit their office hours.
• Update your DARS Degree Planner. Know your path to graduation.

Career

• Connect with a career advisor for resources and application assistance, to gain tips on building an effective resume and how to develop a network.
• Talk to faculty and staff about research opportunities, service learning, and/or academic internships. Seek summer experiences early in the year. 
• Connect with faculty, staff, peers, family, and alumni to explore various career paths related to your major.
• Attend fairs and workshops hosted by ACAC and other campus programs.

Personal

• Stay engaged on campus. Take on leadership roles in student organizations, residence halls, or community groups to develop your professional skills.
• Talk with your classmates and learn their strategies for success.
• Build your financial literacy. Attend workshops to learn the basics of responsible budgeting, saving, and establishing good credit.
• Reflect on your last two years and all you have accomplished, and think about the growth opportunities still to come.

3rd YEAR

Academic

• Establish meaningful relationships with faculty and staff and identify those you consider to be mentors.
• Check your DARS Degree Planner to make sure you are on track to finish on time.
• Apply to graduate three semesters prior to your expected graduation.
• Meet with a career or faculty advisor to explore graduate schools.
• Participate in a second internship during the summer or school year.

Career

• Continue to actively engage in fairs and workshops hosted by ACAC and other campus programs.
• Use the career resources on the ACAC website to update your resume.
• Talk with professionals in your career field(s) of interest and conduct informational interviews. 
• Pursue a competitive summer internship or research opportunity to gain additional experience. 
• Meet with a career advisor to refine your career path after graduation including preparing to apply to graduate school.
• Meet with a career advisor for help creating a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and personal statement if applicable.
• When available, visit the Career Clothing Closet for free professional clothing at ACAC.

4th YEAR

Academic

• Make course projects relevant to your graduate school or career interests.
• Check out Humboldt’s Commencement website to plan for your big day.
• This is your last year. Take time to reflect on your experience.

Career

• Ask professors and employers to serve as references or write letters of recommendation for you.
• Develop your online brand, set up your LinkedIn profile and other professional social media.
• Attend professional conferences, network and practice your elevator pitch.
• Meet with a career advisor to tailor your resume and cover letter for specific job opportunities.
• Schedule a mock interview to practice marketing yourself to potential employers and graduate school selection committees.
• Finalize post graduation plans, timelines vary, so check-in with a career advisor in the fall.
• Submit job applications, apply to graduate school or professional schools. 
• Continue to set goals and seek opportunities for professional development.