Seven ways to jumpstart your career as a college freshman

Starting college is about more than choosing a major — it’s about discovering who you are and where you want to go. Your career doesn’t start when you graduate; it starts when you decide what you want to do and what you want to study. These seven simple steps will help you connect, explore and grow from your first day on campus and give you a head start on your career after graduation.

1. Take a career assessment

Not sure what you want to do yet? That’s perfectly normal. Career assessments help you identify your interests, values and strengths. It’s a great first step toward setting goals for your time at the university.

U of I offers online career assessments through Career Services. Take an assessment today and meet with a career consultant to discuss your results.

Find a variety of assessments on the Career Services website

2. Attend a campus Career Fair

You don’t have to be looking for a job to attend a Career Fair. Going as a freshman is the best time to start getting into the habit of building connections and learning about the career landscape, especially for when you are looking for internships, jobs or graduate programs as a junior or senior. Career Fairs are your opportunity to discover what’s out there and see how your major can open doors. Twice a year, hundreds of employers visit campus to meet U of I students and alumni, recruit for open positions and build professional connections.

Plan ahead for U of I’s Career Fairs — see upcoming dates and schedule

3. Meet with a career consultant at your university

Think of a career consultant as your guide to career development through college and beyond. They’ll help you refine your resume, prepare for interviews, explore job search strategies and connect with opportunities that match your goals. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start — that’s exactly what they’re here for.

Connect with a career consultant at U of I

4. Attend networking events or employer-hosted events

Networking events like U of I’s college/program Networking Nights provide a relaxed setting to meet employers and professionals in your field. Ask questions, make connections and gain confidence in sharing your story — you never know what opportunities might come from one great conversation.

View upcoming Networking Nights at U of I

Employers also hold events, virtual and in-person, that give you direct access to recruiters. It’s a great opportunity to learn about specific roles, company culture and hiring timelines.

Find upcoming employer events on Handshake

5. Join a club or organization

Getting involved on campus is one of the best ways to explore your passions, develop leadership skills and build lifelong friendships. These experiences help you grow personally and professionally and often lead to valuable career connections. And with more than 300 active student organizations at U of I, you’re sure to find something that fits your interests. If you don’t find an organization that fits your interests, consider starting one. Creating a new club demonstrates initiative, creativity and leadership — qualities employers value and skills you can highlight in interviews and on your resume.

Explore clubs and student organizations at UIdaho

6. Experience campus life

Career growth doesn’t just happen in classrooms or offices. It happens when you explore, connect and engage. Attend performances, lectures, cultural events, study abroad and academic showcases. Every experience helps you broaden your perspective and see how your education connects to the wider world. They can even be put on your resume. Work with a career consultant on how to talk about these experiences.

See what’s happening at U of I

7. Get familiar with your campus job search platform

Most universities offer a career platform to help students find jobs and internships that build real-world experience. At U of I, we use Handshake, your all-in-one resource to:

• Discover and apply for jobs and internships
• Connect with employers who want to hire Vandals
• Attend Career Services and employer-hosted events

Explore job and internship opportunities on Handshake

Turn your college experience into career success

Your college journey is just beginning, but it’s never too early to build your future. From discovering your interests to forming lasting professional connections, these steps will help you make the most of your time at university.