School of Languages and Cultures Four-Year Career Development Plan

The School of Languages and Cultures four-year career plan helps you build language proficiency and cultural understanding while exploring how global perspectives shape communication and connection. This flexible plan shows you how to apply linguistic and intercultural skills in diverse professional 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 Degree Plus and Boilers Go to D.C. welcome/callout events
  • Identify your professional strengths (mystrengths)
  • Meet with a College of Liberal Arts (CLA) career coach and academic advisor from the School of Languages and Cultures (SLC)
  • Create a LinkedIn
  • Attend student organization callouts
  • Attend events or informational sessions for study abroad opportunities, language clubs, film series, and other social events

SPRING

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

Year Two

FALL

  • Update your LinkedIn and resume
  • Research potential concentrations and focus areas
  • Begin building a professional wardrobe (CCO Closet)
  • Seek leadership opportunities in student organizations
  • Visit the SLC Opportunities Hub Online
  • Go to Purdue Study Abroad Fair and explore online Study Abroad Resources
  • Contact faculty for undergraduate research opportunities to participate in Undergraduate Research Conference in the spring

SPRING

  • 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
  • Attain a summer internship OR any form of summer employment
  • Attend the SLC Professional Panel

Year Three

FALL

  • Develop a target company/graduate school list, and begin preparing application materials in consultation with faculty mentors
  • Meet with your career coach to identify experience gaps, follow up on past internships
  • Secure leadership roles in student organizations
  • Network with professionals, faculty, and peers, and identify possible writers of letters of recommendation
  • Apply for internships in the desired area, attend career fair, and public impact fair

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.
  • Consider international fellowships, including Fulbright, Boren and Gilman scholarships
  • Conduct a mock interview with CLA Career Services to be your best in front of potential employers
  • Familiarize yourself with graduate school application requirements

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
  • Consult with your advisor about any remaining required courses

SPRING

  • Continue networking, including key stakeholders at your desired company
  • Attend a career fair
  • Continue to apply for full-time positions.
  • Focus on developing specific skills that increase your value to both you and your potential employer
  • Complete the Next Steps Survey to provide helpful and accurate data insight
  • Complete the SLC questionnaire for language majors after graduation