As you explore the employment post-graduation pathway, use the 5Cs to take action and refine your decisions along the way. Calibration serves as a check-in point after each phase, allowing you to assess and adjust your goals at every step. This process helps you gain more insight into what's important to you, enabling you to confidently create a plan for moving forward after Ohio State.
Employment Pathway
Curiosity
Identify your goals and take your first steps.
Review past experiences
Consider how you spend your spare time and what you enjoy most.
- Check out Exploration's Exploring You prompts to answer eight questions that can guide your career direction.
- You also can consider:
- What aspects for past volunteer, work and leadership positions have you enjoyed most? Least?
- Are there specific values you hold that must align with your work? With your future employer?
Consider career alignment with major
Some students decide on a major and let that lead them to a career. Others decide on a career and choose a major that will help them get there. There's no right way.
- Take the Focus2 career assessment or review past results to match your interests with potential careers.
- Ask yourself:
- Does my major align with work I will enjoy?
- What types of skills and knowledge must I develop to prepare for my field?
Explore short-term career opportunities
There are many opportunities to gain "professional skills." Check out these resources to understand your options for short-term employment.
- Parker Dewey: off-campus micro-internships
- Handshake: off- and on-campus, post-, part- and full-time internships and employment
- The Federal Work Study Job Board: on-campus jobs, provides a link to all Federal Work Study positions on campus
Financial planning
Examine the costs associated with the major and field you are considering.
Consider:
- What role does salary play in your career decision?
- Does your field require additional training such as licensure or certification?
- Are you willing to relocate for a job in your field?
- What is the salary and outlook for the career you are considering?
Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook to answer your questions and explore options.
Calibration
Did exploring this career change your plans? That’s OK! Changes happen all the time when making decisions — especially big ones. You can explore another pathway or discuss your uncertainty with a career advisor.
Connection
Engage with resources and build your network as you refine your options.
Engaging in networking
Networking can help you access to people who can help you achieve your professional goals and learn more about your chosen area.
- Conduct Informational Interviews. Career Services can offer referrals.
- Build your LinkedIn network with faculty, classmates, your family and future employers. Update your profile regularly.
- Check if your college's Career Services has a Job Shadow program.
- Grow your network through participation in student organizations.
Research employers
Research can inform the type of positions to which you apply and tell you about the culture and opportunities at the organization.
- Handshake provides company overviews, jobs and upcoming events.
- You may want to take note of:
- Salary ranges for entry positions
- Internship availability at target organizations
- The organizations's mission and vision
- Benefits, professional development and other support offered by the organization
Internships and leadership opportunities
Internships can prepare you professionally, but you also gain skills by taking on leadership responsibilities within student organizations.
- Enhance skills through Leaders Engaging in Action for Development workshops.
- Connect with employers at Ohio State's Career & Internship Fairs.
- Update your Handshake profile to share more about yourself.
Let's calibrate
Did your internship or research experience change your plans? Adjust your plans as you gather more information!
Commitment
Focus your efforts. Gather, prepare and submit materials.
Develop job application materials
Before you apply for a job, you'll need to develop your application materials.
- Attend Buckeye Careers and other Career Services offices for resumes, cover letters and interview skills.
- Join the six-week Leadership for Career Success program to build leadership skills.
- Ask yourself:
- What are some key experiences that make me stand out?
- What skills have I honed recently?
Job search
Once you have your application materials updated and gathered, itis time to begin your job search.
- Create a “job application tracker” to record position, company, date of application, link to company site, status, follow-up dates, company contacts and other relevant information.
Financial preparation
While jobs allow you to make money, job searching is an investment, which may include upfront costs.
- Visit Ohio State’s Career Closet for free, gently used professional clothes, shoes, and accessories.
- Use the iGrad’s budgeting module for your job search. Your budget may include attire, portfolio or materials, and interview travel.
Time to calibrate
After working on your job application materials and starting your job search, take a moment to reassess your career goals. Is there anything you want to adjust as you gain more clarity and insight into what excites and motivates you?
Conviction
Consider your options, make decisions and transition to a "Buckeye for life."
Weight offers and make decisions
Employment offers aren’t just aboutthe title or the salary, you’ll need to consider benefits, company culture andprofessional development, too.
- Congratulations — you got an offer! Share the good news with family, friends and those who helped you.
- For negotiation or offer clarification, consult a career counselor, family member or faculty mentor.
Make a transition plan
Once you have accepted your job offer, it's time to think about your transition from student to professional.
- Prepare for your new job with a transition plan. Consider:
- Onboarding: complete steps like background check, tax forms and banking information
- Relocation: calculate moving costs and where you will live
- Attire: do you need wardrobe updates?
Budget for your move
Even if you are staying in Ohio, you'll need to consider a housing move.
- Use these iGrad resources articles and courses to help you:
Join the Alumni Association
Ohio State offers alumni networking and engagement opportunities as well as ways to give back to students.
- Join the Alumni Association to stay connected with Ohio State news, events and opportunities to connect.
- Contributing to Ohio State's scholarship fund is an excellent way to give to current Buckeyes.