Career Exploration for Seniors

What are you doing after graduation? Everyone dreads this question. The best thing you can do to find an answer and prepare for this big transition is to partner with us early and often to take advantage of Colgate's extensive resources. You are in control of finding your success -- but we're excited to help you along the way!

Executing Your Post-Grad Plan

Ideally, we hope you've been in touch with us throughout your time at Colgate. If you need to catch up, contact us to make an appointment with a career adviser.

Let's get started on your senior-year planning. First, make an informed, realistic decision if your next step will be to find a job, pursue further education, and/or apply for a fellowship/scholarship. Then consult an informed adviser to move your plan forward. This may be a faculty member, mentor, or a career adviser.

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Preparing for Graduate and Professional School

1. Complete admission testing. You need to prepare for and take entrance exams (i.e. LSAT, GRE, etc.). Get more information.
2. Develop a list. What are your target programs and universities? Explore some tools and information for identifying programs.
3. Attend graduate/professional school information sessions and fairs. Check ourupcoming events to see if any are approaching.
4. Write a polished personal statement or statement of purpose. We have online tools and guides for you to reference. You also can contact us and the Writing Center for individualized guidance.
5. Solicit letters of recommendation. Learn how to collect them effectively and respectfully. Also investigate our credential file service so that you can access them in the future.
6. If necessary, engage in admission interviews. Prepare beforehand by contacting us to arrange mock interviews.
7. Apply by the deadline. Earlier submissions may often yield better funding and a greater probability of admission for qualified candidates.
8. Receive and respond to offers of admission!

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Preparing for Employment

1. Continue leveraging Colgate's employer partnerships. Learn more about on- and off-campus opportunities. Also get clearance for naviGATE (our go-to job search resource).
2. Continue networking. Utilize the iCAN Alumni Career Advisory Network and your personal contacts. Consult with a career adviser to refine your networking strategy.
3. Develop your self-marketing materials. Learn best practices for targeting resumes, cover letters, and more with our online tools and guides, or contact us to meet with a peer adviser or career adviser.
4. Research a list of potential employers and hiring timelines, then apply. Use the four databases in naviGATE and other recommended job search resources.
5. Engage in employer interviews. Contact us with the job descriptions beforehand to practice with mock interviews.
6. Receive and respond to job offers! You can meet with an adviser to learn how to appropriately accept and decline these offers.