Your college trajectory is more than earning a degree, it’s building the skills, experiences, and confidence to launch your future. The Career Pathway is a four-year, competency-based framework that guides you from career exploration to post-graduation success. Aligned with the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies, the pathway integrates career development, experiential learning, leadership, and professional engagement at each academic level, ensuring that you graduate with the skills and experiences you need to succeed before and after graduation.
Break Through with Career Pathway
Power career-readiness with NACE Career Competencies
Career Pathway: Your Four-Year Roadmap to Success
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Your first year is all about exploration, confidence-building, and connecting your college experience to your future career goals. Starting early helps you feel more confident, stay on track, and make smarter decisions.
What You’ll Gain
A stronger understanding of your strengths, interests, and career possibilities
Early hands-on experience through volunteering, service learning, and job shadowing
Support choosing or confirming your major
Your first professional headshot and Handshake profile
Access to resources like Career Closet @ Bucky’s Boutique
A foundation in professionalism, communication, and responsibility
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Gain experience. Build confidence. Grow your network.
Your second year focuses on developing practical skills and building meaningful professional connections. Experience and connections will help position you for internships, graduate school, and future career opportunities
What You’ll Gain
Hands-on experience through internships, campus jobs, job simulations, or micro-internships
A stronger resume and LinkedIn profile
Interviewing and professional communication practice
Connections with employers, mentors, and industry professionals
Opportunities to join clubs, honor societies, and professional organizations
Greater clarity around your career interests
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Turn experience into leadership.
Your third year is where you apply what you’ve learned, step into leadership roles, and expand your impact beyond the classroom. This is the year your experiences begin setting you apart and preparing you for life after graduation.
What You’ll Gain
Advanced experience through internships, research, leadership roles, or study abroad
Stronger leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
One-on-one career coaching and mentorship
A growing professional network outside of campus
Increased confidence in your career direction
Real-world accomplishments and professional references
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Turn your college experience into real outcomes.
Your final year focuses on preparing for what comes next — whether that’s launching your career or continuing your education. You’ll graduate prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
What You’ll Gain
A polished resume, cover letter, and professional online presence
Support applying for jobs, graduate school, or professional programs
Capstone or showcase experiences that highlight your skills
Strong professional connections and industry exposure
Confidence navigating your next steps after graduation
A clear plan for your future
Ready to Launch Your Pathway?
Meet With Your Success Team
Your breakthrough journey is supported every step of the way. As you progress through the Career Pathway, regularly connect with your success team to stay on track, explore opportunities, and prepare for what’s next.
Your Success Team
CASA Coach
Get guidance on your academic journey, campus involvement, and student success resources.
Faculty Advisor
Connect your academic goals with career opportunities and long-term plans.
Career Counselor
Receive support with resumes, internships, career exploration, interviewing, and job preparation.
When Should You Meet?
- At the beginning of each academic year
- Before starting a new Career Pathway section
- When you’re unsure which milestones to complete next
- Before applying for internships, jobs, or experiential learning opportunities
Prepare For Your Meeting
- Review your completed and upcoming milestones in Engage
- Write down questions about your major, career goals, or next steps
- Be ready to discuss your interests, goals, and any challenges you may be experiencing