Brian Lamb School of Communication Four-Year Career Development Plan

The Brian Lamb School of Communication four-year career plan helps you develop strong communication skills while exploring how messages shape individuals, organizations, and society. This flexible plan shows you how to apply communication theory and practice to real-world settings and translate your education into a meaningful career.

If you have questions on how to tailor this career plan to your path, make an appointment with the College of Liberal Arts Career Services.

Year One

FALL

  • Participate in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) welcome event
  • Identify your professional strengths (mystrengths)
  • Meet with a CLA career coach and advisor for communication
  • Be aware of study abroad opportunities to plan ahead
  • Join the Welcome to Communication Learning Community
  • Create a LinkedIn
  • Attend informational sessions for student organizations such as PRSSA

SPRING

  • Build a starter resume
  • Get a professional headshot and update your LinkedIn
  • Build relationships with the students and faculty in your related interests
  • Seek out active learning experiences to know what your future career might have in store
  • Attend career events or informational sessions
  • Find summer internships, study abroad opportunities, summer employment, or volunteer work to build up your experience

Year Two

FALL

  • Update your LinkedIn and resume
  • Investigate your intended career path, and research the 8 concentrations in communication
  • Begin building a professional wardrobe (CCO Closet)
  • Seek leadership opportunities in student organizations
  • Attend office hours and establish relationships with faculty and instructors in your areas of interest
  • Talk to your advisor about spending a semester studying abroad in Australia, Denmark, or Singapore

SPRING

  • Identify a specialization of interest – whether this is Degree+, minors, or certificates
  • Research companies in your area(s) of interest
  • Build your professional network by utilizing LinkedIn and informational interviews
  • Reflect on likes and dislikes: classes, student organizations, or other experiences
  • Find summer internships, study abroad opportunities, summer employment, or volunteer work to build your experience

Year Three

FALL

  • Develop a target company/graduate school list
  • Meet with your career coach to identify experience gaps
  • Secure leadership roles in student organizations and begin making an impact on campus
  • Network with professionals, faculty, and peers
  • Apply for internships in desired area

SPRING

  • Secure your personal brand, make sure your resume and LinkedIn reflect it
  • Complete a second or third internship to make your resume stand out
  • Create and update a professional portfolio including projects, media samples, etc.
  • Research various modes of interviews, including virtual, technical, and behavioral
  • Conduct a mock interview with CLA Career Services to be your best in front of potential employers

Year Four

FALL

  • Meet with CLA Career Services to identify and plan next steps for after graduation
  • Begin branding yourself as a professional, not just a student
  • Network by letting all your contacts know you are looking for employment
  • Plan to apply and interview for jobs and graduate schools 4-6 months before you graduate

SPRING

  • Continue networking, including key stakeholders at your desired company
  • Attend a career fair
  • Continue to apply for full-time positions
  • If you have secured a position, find specific skills to optimize value for you and your employer
  • Complete the Next Steps Survey to provide helpful and accurate data insight