Get Career-Ready from Day One as a Panther!

Getting accepted into Georgia State University isn’t just the start of a new chapter—it’s the beginning of an exciting four-year journey toward career success! To help you hit the ground running, we’ve put together a guide to set you up for success from day one. Let’s take a Panther leap into your future! 🐾 

 

Freshman Year: Explore and Build Your Foundation

Goal: Discover your passions, assess your skills, and connect with campus resources!

• Choose Your Meta-Major: Feeling overwhelmed by all the programs and majors GSU offers? No problem! Our Freshman Learning Communities (FLC) organize students into cohorts of 25, based on shared academic interests. These meta-majors—like STEM, business, arts and humanities, health sciences, and more—let you explore different fields while staying on track academically.

• Explore and Build Your Resume: Get acclimated to GSU’s campus life, join student organizations, volunteer, or find part-time work on campus. With over 400 student organizations, there’s no shortage of ways to start building relevant experience and make connections!

Panther Tip: Create a Handshake profile to explore on-campus jobs, internships, and events tailored to your interests.

 

Sophomore Year: Define Your Path

Goal: Narrow your focus and envision your future career.

• What Can I Do With This Major? It’s a question you might ask yourself when deciding, but it’s also the name of an online tool designed to help you understand all the exciting career paths connected to your major.

• Choose Your Major: Use the insights you’ve gained through career research and coursework to finalize your major and start refining your focus.

Panther Tip: Schedule regular meetings with your academic advisor to make sure your coursework aligns with your career goals and adjust your plan as needed. They’re here to help you succeed!

 

Junior Year: Gain Real-World Experience

Goal: Apply what you’ve learned and start building professional experience.

• Engage with Career Services: Start by attending a career workshop or stop by University Career Services to learn professional skills like networking, resume writing, and interviewing—skills that will give you an edge in your field!

• Secure an Internship: Step into the professional world by landing an internship in your field. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience!

• Practice Interviewing: Participate in mock interviews to boost your confidence and sharpen your communication skills.

• Grow Your Network: Take advantage of networking events, career fairs, and alumni panels to build relationships with mentors and peers in your major.

Panther Tip: Consider taking leadership roles in student organizations or professional associations to strengthen your resume!

 

Senior Year: Launch Your Career

Goal: Finalize your career plans and take the steps to secure your dream job or graduate school spot.

• Apply for Jobs: Use Handshake, LinkedIn, and other platforms to apply for full-time positions in your field.

• Secure Your Network: Reach out to professors, advisors, and internship supervisors for letters of recommendation and guidance.

• Celebrate Your Success: Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back! As you cross the stage at commencement, know you’re ready to take on the world as a Panther alum!

Panther Tip: Don’t forget—Career Services is here to support you even after graduation. Whether it’s navigating your first job or pivoting to a new career path, we’ve got your back!

At Georgia State University, your career journey begins the moment you step on campus. With GSU’s top-notch resources, innovative programs, and a prime location in bustling downtown Atlanta, we’ll help you turn your goals into reality.

Let’s start writing the next chapter of your story! 🐾