Post Graduate First Job

You have worked hard for your degree. Now it's time to put all that hard work, skills, and experience to use as you move toward the next step in your life.

Here you can find a step-by-step guide to finding your first job!

Make an appointment with a career counselor to assist you in making a plan as you move through each step.

Post Grad First Job | Revisit your career targets

1. See Career Exploration

Post Grad First Job | Activate MU Career Manager account

1. Create and activate your MU Career Manager profile
2. Become familiar with all features including managing resumes, creating job agents, searching for internships and jobs, and participating in On Campus Interviews.

Post Grad First Job | Write a resume outlining your career-related/transferable skills and experiences

1. Learn how to write a resume
2. Write a resume that outlines your career-related skills
3. Have resume professionally critiqued

Post Grad First Job | Gathering References and Letters of Recommendation

1. Approach faculty members, employers, etc. to write recommendation letters. Remember to provide them with any required recommendation forms, your resume, a stamped/pre-addressed envelope, and the deadline for submission.  Think about sharing the Guidelines for writing references and letters of recommendation.
2. Pull together a standard list of references
3. Send thank-you notes to people who wrote your recommendation letters, informing them of your success.

Post Grad First Job | Review your professional network

1. Learn benefits of networking
2. Create a LinkedIn profile
3. Connect with family, friends, alumni, faculty, professionals in your field

Post Grad First Job | Research Organizations in your career field of interests

1. View resources focused on employer research
2. See First Destinations for MU alumni
3. Develop a Target List of employers with whom you would like to work

Post Grad First Job | Attend career fairs and Networking Events

1. Prepare for professional events
2. Develop your elevator speech
3. Learn how to follow up with new professional connections

Post Grad First Job | Begin your search

1. Apply for positions through MU Career Manager and other online sites
2. Reach out to your professional network to let them know what you are seeking
3. Contact employers on your Target List

Post Grad First Job | Develop your interviewing skills

1. Learn about common interviewing techniques
2. Schedule a Practice Interview with a career counselor
3. Learn about interview follow up

Post Grad First Job | Prepare to Dress for Success

1. Learn more about Interviewing Dress for Success
2. Build a professional wardrobe

Post Grad First Job | Make a decision

1. Compare offers
2. Review benefits

Post Grad First Job | Make the most of your first year as a professional

1. Build relationships while gaining experience
2. Track your newly-gained skills and experiences on your updated resume