Make it Happen Checklist

Explore, Prepare, Experience, and Achieve with the
Make it Happen Checklist!

There are more resources and tools to explore at careers.uiowa.edu.

EXPLORE

  • Find career communities of interest to you and schedule an appointment with a career advisor to assist as you begin exploring careers options.
  • Take an assessment if you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed about your interests, abilities and how those relate to majors and/or careers.
  • Conduct informational interviews to talk with professionals working in fields of interest to you.
  • Register for a Career Center course like, “Major and Career Exploration” or the “Career Leadership Academy”.

PREPARE

  • Write or update your resume and have it reviewed during walk-in advising.
  • When needed, prepare cover letters or other required documents.  These can also be reviewed during walk-in advising.
  • When ready, upload your resume into the Handshake site so you can begin applying for student employment or internship positions.
  • Create or update your LinkedIn profile and clean up all social media accounts.
  • Learn to network and prepare your introduction to new contacts and potential employers.
  • Prepare and practice for interviews by using Big Interview. Schedule a mock interview before the real deal.
  • If interested in graduate or professional school, review resources to help you research programs and manage applications.
  • Schedule an appointment with a career advisor for additional assistance and resources.

EXPERIENCE

  • Work part-time on or near campus.
  • Get involved in student organizations related to your career interests.
  • Volunteer in the community.
  • Find and complete one or more internships.
  • Consider studying abroad or working, interning or volunteering abroad.
  • Schedule an appointment with a career advisor for additional assistance and resources.

ACHIEVE

  • Use Handshake and Career Fairs to begin your job search.  Start 6-9 months before you graduate to maximize success.
  • Use additional job and internship links using Job Search section of our website.  More links are provided within your desired career community page.
  • Research employers using:  Research Basics, specific Career Community resources and Resources for Diverse populations within Job Search section of our website.
  • Evaluate job offers and learn more about negotiation before accepting an offer.
  • Apply to graduate or professional school if that is your desired next step.  Consider Gap Year Opportunities if you need more time or experience before applying.
  • Schedule an appointment with a career advisor for additional resources and help with your job search strategy, timeline and resources.

Dana Dominguez

Dominguez, Dana M - Director, Operations and Marketing