ECC Career Planning Checklist

El Centro College Career Services (ECCCS)

Suite A071| [email protected]
(214) 860-2066

The Career Planning Checklist

A guide for students to prepare for careers pathways

FIRST YEAR-Semester 1

I am thinking about me! I’m considering my interests, values, skills and goals and I will practice ongoing
holistic self-care.

I know about the assistance available through ECCCS:
• Interest Surveys – to help me select a major and explore careers
• Career Research - to explore careers and build skills through internships and volunteering, etc.
• Resume Development – Utilize ECCCS software to help me create an effective and persuasive resume
• Job Search Plan – to help me create a strategy to find employment, internships, volunteerism
• Interview Skill-Building – to help me ace the interviews
• Self-Marketing Plan

____I have created accounts on Optimal Resume Career & Talent Suite and The Careers College.

I am beginning routine career “check-up” meetings with ECCCS to discuss majors & careers. I am also
building by professional network by speaking with parents, friends, professors and various professionals about
my career interests and opportunities.

I have identified and am participating in campus and community activities to develop valuable skills.

I am attending career related information sessions, workshops, career fairs and other events AND I’m
checking out employment opportunities on Symplicity. (REGISTER with DCCCD Job Listing Service).

_____I have become familiar with various online employment sites (Internships.com, USAjobs.com,
ONETonline.com, Glassdoor.com, Snagajob.com, Indeed.com, LinkedIn, etc.)

FIRST YEAR-Semester 2

I continue regular career check-ups with ECCCS to discuss my career related goals for the year.

I frequently check Symplicity to be sure I am up-to-date with events, activities and job possibilities.

I am searching for internship, community service/volunteer, summer jobs, and/or academic research
opportunities so that I can continue to build skills through experiences.

I am participating in student organizations, volunteer work, and/or part-time employment to support my
professional development and to develop new skills.

I am attending the Career Fair offered in the Spring and accessing employers via the ECCCS.

I am beginning to build contacts by getting to know people who work in careers I’m interested in exploring. I
have also spent a day job shadowing someone who works in an occupation I am considering.

I enrolled in a public speaking service (Toastmasters) to improve my presentation and networking skills.

_____I have attended a dress-for- success consultation and am beginning to acquire key professional clothing items
(white shirt/blouse, black or blue slacks/skirt, tie, appropriate shoes).

SECOND YEAR-Semester 1 (Begin your job search early – at the start of the Spring Semester)

I continue to check Symplicity to RSVP for events, activities, employer visits and jobs.

I continue with regular career development check-up meetings with ECCCS.

I continue to increase my skills by participating in professionally related activities and work.

I am expanding my network of employer contacts who are in position to be mentors and/or to assist with my
job search campaign after graduation.

I am thinking about undergraduate school opportunities while also exploring more in-depth information about
work.

_____I have begun a sound financial management process which includes securing financial aid for
undergraduate school opportunities.

I have identified and can promote my professional skills in relation to the top skills employers and
undergraduate schools want from me (including critical thinking, initiative, creativity, communication,
collaboration, work ethic, technical abilities, etc.)

_____I scheduled a mock interview session with ECCCS.

_____I continue to add to my professional wardrobe.

SECOND YEAR-Semester 2, (Intensify your job search early – by Spring Break)

I have organized my job search and/or undergraduate school application process.
• I have updated and refined my resume
• I have practiced interviewing skills with ECCCS
• I have taken required undergraduate school entrance exams
• I have secured references by speaking with faculty & employers
• I have identified at least 50 companies of interest and/or at least 5 – 10 undergraduate programs
• I continue to build and network with new contacts while actively speaking to current contacts
• I am actively applying for jobs, networking and managing my job search 5 times a week
(minimum)

I am meeting with ECCCS regularly to ask for advice related to the job search.

I am reviewing Symplicity to check off campus recruiting activities, events and workshops.

_____I continue to practice my interviewing schools with ECCCS, family member, or friends.

_____I have an adequate number of resumes to share with employers and on line.

EXIT PLAN-Final Semester (Before graduation)

_____I have an approved ECCCS resume and cover letter.

______I have a complete professional outfit.

______I have created a professional profile using the LinkedIn platform.