6.2: Assess your progress and create your plan of action

At the beginning of this course we highlighted career exploration and understanding of the difference between job and a career. We encouraged you to identify resources and factors related to your personal and career vision. It was the foundation for your evaluation and assessment of four phases we had you complete. The main goal was to have you gain a better understanding of yourself and best fit for the world of work. Thus, allowing you to learn and harness a strong sense of self and increase self-confidence. Imparting you to make informed choices in relation to personal goals and career pathways. Supportive resources were included to help assess your skills, abilities, character strengths and preferences. Making self-discovery intentional and personalized for your present time experience in this class.

As an extension, you used online tools to research and conduct adductive reasoning when exploring the “big picture” of correlating your abilities and skills with potential careers. Hopefully, finding and taking advantage of unknown opportunities in careers which you had not considered. Most importantly, to have a strategic marketing campaign as your personal platform to employers.

Everything you have completed in this course so far is a step closer toward your career search, short term and long-term goals to come. Moreover, we provided with resources on and off campus as well as online links to better guide you moving forward.

We hope you have mastered some strong decision making skills to help you in keeping the pace of pursuing your career. Please continue to network, explore and connect with others in your areas of interest. Stay up to date on market trends and shifts in “new technology” and how it will positively impact certain industries. Do not shy away from learning opportunities and be open to unexpected success.

Career exploration is not a linear process; it is more complex and changes with your growth and mastery of new skills. Retool your marketing campaign as needed and continue to build your self-confidence. Mentor others along the way and maintain a strong network of professionals. Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable and identify new possibilities. Use your career vision statement to remind you of the affirmation and passion you have for your career. Update it and revise your statement to serve as a reminder to continue to explore and achieve new levels in your career.

We have covered a lot of information throughout this course and now it is up to you to apply it to your life. The “Career Exploration and Planning Timeline” below nicely summarizes the career and life planning process while highlighting specific activities for you to consider taking part in. We hope you use this as a checklist to help guide you through your journey at College of the Canyons!

Review the two charts on the following pages. The first one addresses students planning to earn an associate’s degree and/or a career certificate and enter the workforce. The second chart addresses students planning to transfer to a four-year institution after COC. Consider which activities will help you through your career and life planning process as you create your plan of action.

	FOR STUDENTS EARNING AN ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE/CERTIFICATE & ENTERING THE JOB MARKET DIRECTLY AFTER COC
1^st Y E A R	FALL SEMESTER Engage in self-exploration; gain a better understanding of your skills, abilities, values, personality style, and interests. Use web resources to learn more information about your major and career path options (see attached). Enroll in a Career Exploration Course (Counseling 110). Get involved in extracurricular activities on campus. Join a club or organization Research COC’s programs/majors and related coursework in the college catalog. SPRING SEMESTER Explore options related to your major by developing relationships with counselors, professors, work colleagues, friends and family. Take an introductory course in the major you are considering. Meet with a Counselor for help choosing these classes and to discuss how they relate to your career goals. Develop your resume in preparation for a summer job, internship or volunteer opportunity. Meet with an advisor in the Career Center to get your resume critiqued. Conduct informational interviews and talk to family, friends, faculty, staff and other professionals in the area you are interested in pursuing. Continue to network, participate in student clubs/organizations, attend conferences, and career fairs. Begin to explore summer internship opportunities. SUMMER Develop work experience through a summer job, volunteering or interning in the field you are interested in pursuing.
2^nd Y E A R	FALL SEMESTER Participate in an internship (fall and/or spring). Continue to network by attending career fairs in order to build relationships with employers. Submit petition for Associate degree graduation (deadline is the first day of the graduating term). Meet with a Counselor to verify all major requirements are met and you are ready for graduation. SPRING SEMESTER Revise and update your resume. See a Career Center advisor to complete a mock interview and develop job search strategies. Submit resumes/cover letters to target companies. Interview and send follow up thank you letters.

	FOR STUDENTS PLANNING TO TRANFER TO A BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM DIRECTLY AFTER COC
1^st Y E A R	FALL SEMESTER Engage in self-exploration; gain a better understanding of your skills, abilities, values, personality style, and interests. Enroll in a Career Exploration Course (Counseling 110). Use web resources to learn more information about your major and career path options (see attached). Get involved in extracurricular activities on campus. Join a club or organization Develop your student educational plan with a counselor Begin exploring transfer schools, admission requirements, and major preparation coursework. Attend the College to Career Pathway Event & Transfer Day Events (usually held in early September). Research COC’s programs/majors and related coursework in the college catalog. SPRING SEMESTER Continue to research individual transfer schools and gather as much information as you can on the admission process, transfer requirements and deadlines. Research career paths your major can lead to (see attached websites). Visit the Transfer Center for information on Transfer Admission Guarantee Programs. Meet with a Counselor to review your academic and career goals and revisit your educational plan. Develop your resume in preparation for a summer job, internship or volunteer opportunity. Meet with an advisor in the Career Center to get your resume critiqued. Explore options related to your major by developing relationships with counselors, professors, work colleagues, friends and family. SUMMER Develop work experience through a summer job, volunteering or interning in the field you are interested in pursuing.
2^nd Y E A R	FALL SEMESTER Enroll in Counseling 120 – University Transfer Planning course. Attend the Transfer Day Event & meet different university representatives (usually held in September). Attend Transfer Center workshops for assistance with the UC/CSU application and personal statements Submit transfer admission applications for the upcoming fall term. Note applications are usually due by the end of November; however deadlines vary by school. Meet with a Counselor to review your transfer goals and make sure you are ready to transfer Continue to network through clubs/organizations, attend conferences and career fairs. SPRING SEMESTER If earning associate degree, file petition for graduation (deadline is the 1st day of the graduating term) https://fafsa.ed.gov/ ) for the following academic year. Be aware, the deadline is in early March; see the financial aid office for details. You will be receiving correspondence regarding your admission status from transfer schools, reply in a timely manner. NOTE: This timeline is based on a two-year transfer model. Be aware that many factors play into the amount of time it takes each individual to transfer. Your specific timeline at COC may vary from this one. Meet with a counselor to discuss your plan.

Activity 6.2: My Plan Of Action

You have spent a lot of time engaging in the career and life planning process and now have a stronger understanding of your academic, career and personal goals for your future. To help you keep your momentum moving forward, develop a plan of action for the upcoming year. Consider the next steps necessary to help you progress towards your academic, career and personal goals? Write out what you need to do in the next month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months. Be specific and be sure to reach out to people that can help support you in your journey! My next steps include: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________