Semester Goals

Freshman Year – Reflection

Fall Semester

  • Reflect on your place in the world; be grateful where you are and set yourself up to be successful.
    • Update your LinkedIN and Facebook profiles
    • Be mindful of online comments and pictures you post
  • Meet with your faculty mentor (See Appendix B)
  • Get involved; join clubs and organizations
  • Create a resumé and your CCO account
  • Inquire about research opportunities and departmental jobs
  • Attend the Agriculture Career Fair
  • Complete scholarship applications Advising Tips
  • Attend all classes during week 1 including those you may want to add. Make all registration changes
  • If a class offers SI – attend at least one SI session to learn if it would be helpful. If you need help later in the semester, you will know where to go and who to ask
  • If you have issues with instructors switch to a different section during the first week of classes
  • October break / Midterm grades: evaluate your standing in all your classes. If you are in danger of receiving a D or F in any class see your academic advisor. Week 8 is the time to make necessary adjustments to your schedule

Spring Semester

  • Evaluate your Fall semester, how were your grades, should you take fewer credits?
  • Meet with your faculty mentor (See Appendix B)
  • Are you overcommitted with clubs/organizations? Do you have too much free time?
  • Are you undecided in your career track? Perhaps you should speak with a faculty advisor and make an appointment with
  • Finalize your summer plans. Internship – Work – Classes

Sophomore Year – Career Exploration

Fall Semester

  • Evaluate your summer – what did you like/dislike
  • Update your resumé
  • Meet with your faculty mentor
  • Attend the Agriculture Career Fair
  • Complete scholarship applications

Spring Semester

  • Work with your advisor to complete a plan for your last two years
  • Meet with your faculty mentor
  • Finalize your summer plans. Internship – Work – Classes

Junior Year – Get Experience

Fall Semester

  • Evaluate your summer – what did you like/dislike
    • Compare to last summer
    • Consider what jobs might incorporate your “likes”
  • Meet with your faculty mentor
  • Engage in your Insect Biology Practicum
    • Expand your knowledge in varied fields of entomological study
  • Update your resumé
  • Attend the Agriculture Career Fair
  • Look for out of state internships
  • Complete scholarship applications Spring Semester
  • Meet with your faculty mentor
  • Research your career interests
    • Evaluate the job market and research the industry
  • Do you plan to continue for a graduate degree?
    • See Appendix A for a Graduate School Timeline
  • Finalize your summer plans. Internship – Work – Classes

Senior Year – Job Searching

Fall Semester

  • Evaluate your summer
  • Meet with your faculty mentor
  • Update your resume
  • Visit CCO for interviewing tips
  • Attend the Agriculture Career Fair – employers are more selective and interviews are tougher for full time positions vs. internships!

Spring Semester

  • Meet with your faculty mentor
  • Follow up with companies / schedule interviews
  • Research competitive pay levels & benefits
    • Be educated about the location when negotiating and comparing job offers