Career counseling is available to help you with any career related concern you may have. Individual appointments are available for career planning, job search assistance and more. The Norfolk State University Career Services’ staff has experienced professionals with particular expertise in the issues and resources relevant to the career needs of college students.

Four-Year Career Planning Guide

A four-year planning guide is a great way to assist you in organizing your college years and in choosing those strategies that will benefit you most in accomplishing your career goals.

Freshman Year- Becoming aware of yourself and your resources

Your responsibilities:  

• It is more important at this stage to learn about broad career areas than it is to try to match your interests to occupational titles
• Meet with a career counselor to discuss options and to develop an action plan
• Explore majors and career choices and learn how majors and careers are connected
• Attend professional seminars on resume writing and interviewing skills in preparation for possible summer opportunities

Sophomore Year- Exploration of Majors and Careers

Your responsibilities:

• Explore different majors and careers related to interests identified
• Finalize selection of major (contact Career Services if still undecided)
• Involve yourself in campus organizations and participate in community activities to gain experiential learning
• Become familiar with career resources on campus and take advantage of the Career Resources
• Explore participating in an internship, co-op, or other experiential opportunities

Junior Year- Solidify Major and Career Choice

Your responsibilities:

• Schedule informational interviews with key people in your career field
• Actively develop your leadership skills by joining a university club or by getting involved in community volunteer projects related to your major
• Actively develop your leadership skills by joining a university club or by getting involved in community volunteer projects related to your major
• Use the SpartanLink and other internet sites to research companies and institutions (if planning to attend graduate/professional school)

Senior Year- Plans Beyond Graduation

Your responsibilities:

• Finalize graduate school entrance requirements, application process, and financial aid sources
• Participate in On-Campus Interviews through Career Services
• Attend Career Fairs, company information sessions, and other networking events
• Match your job offers to your needs, values, and interests