Aaaaaand that’s a wrap, folks!! The fall semester is closing up, and the bi-annual finals freakout is underway. We all have exams, papers, and presentations to worry about, but it’s still an important time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, and start setting plans for next semester. As for myself, I need to start planning for my blog next semester, which is why I am asking YOU to tell me what you want to hear!! Tell me in the comments what Career Center related topics you want to see in my blog next semester.

Time for some reflection. If you are currently enrolled in an Intern Success Practicum, here’s a friendly reminder that your end-of-semester reflections are due THIS FRIDAY on December 8th. If you’re not enrolled (and I highly suggest enrolling next semester), it’s still beneficial to think about how you’ve developed personally, academically, and professionally.

• What have you gained from your experiences, in and out of class?

• What are some things you feel you excelled at, or really enjoyed?

• On the other hand, where do you think you need to improve?

We can use this reflection to help us move forward and be more successful in the future. Speaking of future, let’s start setting some goals for the Spring semester. The desperate desire for a summer job/internship will only grow stronger as the spring rolls in, so locking down those positions early can alleviate a lot of unnecessary stress. PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDARS NOW: The Spring Career and Internship Fair will be on February 16th!! And don’t forget that all of April is “Career Month” with a plethora of workshops and networking events to help you succeed. Until then, set some goals so that you are totally prepared and confident. Here are some of my goals:

• Update my resume to accurately reflect my most recent experiences.

• Continue to scour the vast reaches of the internet for possible summer positions. This list of websites is a great place to start! And don’t forget we offer appointments specifically for job/internship searches.

• Outside of the Career Center, the Shriver Center is a great place to connect with volunteer opportunities in the area. These experiences are equally helpful with professional development, as well as giving you a chance to give back to your community.

• At the beginning of next semester, set up an appointment with a Career Specialist. This can be for spiffing up your professional documents, your job/internship search, or even possible graduate degree programs. It always helps to bounce ideas of off someone else, and getting professional advice certainly can’t hurt!

Thinking about all the stuff that needs to get done can be pretty overwhelming, but just remember all the offices and people on campus that have your back! We’re all in this together, and taking time to reflect and set goals for yourself is the best way to ensure your success.

P.S. Reminder to please comment below on what you want to see on this blog in the future!