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Northwest Missouri State University


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Taking Initiative & Developing Relationships

Get to know:
  • Your academic advisor
  • Faculty & department chairs
  • Career counselors
Don’t wait! Develop relationships now so you can work toward the major you want sooner rather than later. There are great resources and great guidance available to you!

Discovering Your Real Self

An “Ideal Self” is who you may wish to be or who others have built you up to be. It’s not really you.
Your “Real Self,” however, is who you are now -- flaws, talents and all! Put this self in charge when it comes to choosing a major.

Taking Action

The Basics

  • Record employment/internship contact information to maintain references and networking for future job searches.
  • Strive for the best grades possible.
  • Apply for an internship in your field of study.
  • Attend Career Services events (Workshops, “Mock” Interview Day, Career Day, and/or Education Expo) to learn about internships, graduate schools, full-time employment and other career related topics.
  • Update your profile and resume in Hire A Bearcat.
  • If pursuing additional education take the appropriate entrance exams and begin collecting faculty recommendations.

    Get Ahead

    • Assume leadership positions whenever possible; Student organizations,  Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, Career Ambassador, etc.
    • Conduct informational interviews to obtain advice about your field of interest.  Talk to alums, family, friends, neighbors, past supervisors, etc.
    • Increase responsibilities in your current position(s).
    • If thinking about graduate school, talk with your departmental faculty about programs.
    • Pursue additional internships or experience related to your field. 

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