Senior Career Checklist

Your senior year is all about launching your career, making decisive choices, and preparing for life after graduation. This checklist will help you stay organized, reflect on your goals, and take the steps needed to transition successfully from student to professional.

Fall: Prepare to Launch with Confidence

Engage Your Launch

  • Apply for jobs, graduate programs, or service opportunities with clarity and confidence.
  • Attend career fairs, alumni events, and employer presentations.
  • Evaluate offers and make firm career decisions aligned with your purpose, strengths, and values.
  • Participate in final workshops or coaching sessions to sharpen interviewing, salary negotiation, and job search skills.

Reflect & Stay Connected

  • Reflect on growth, academic and professional achievements, and experiences throughout your college career.
  • Write and refine your career story for networking, interviews, and professional branding.
  • Join the TSU Alumni Association to maintain connections and serve as a mentor in the future.
  • Complete the Graduating Senior Survey in Career Services.

Professional & Personal Development

  • Attend graduate school seminars if applicable.
  • Consider lifelong learning opportunities and ways to continue skill development.
  • Celebrate your achievements and launch with purpose!

Spring: Refine Goals to Prepare for Launch

Time Management & Goal Setting

  • Schedule a career coaching appointment to map out short-term and long-term goals.
  • Finalize your resume, cover letters, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio to highlight skills, experiences, leadership roles, and relevant projects.
  • Track applications, interviews, and offers in one place to stay organized and reduce stress.

Academic & Professional Planning

  • Apply to graduate school if continuing your education.
  • Complete a senior career project related to your field.
  • Become a tutor or teaching assistant (TA) to gain experience and strengthen skills.
  • Attend seminars, conferences, and workshops relevant to your major.
  • Develop an academic mentoring relationship with a faculty member.
  • Complete a degree check to ensure you’re on track for graduation.
  • Relate your academic coursework to your future work plans.

Career Exploration & Experience

  • Organize your job search strategies: Hire A Tiger, Handshake, company websites, and personal networking.
  • Target desired industries and locations for employment.
  • Research companies, job descriptions, and salaries in your field.
  • Schedule informational interviews with professionals in your desired field.
  • Attend mock interviews, workshops, and employer presentations to refine your skills.
  • Evaluate employment offers, graduate school options, and volunteer/service opportunities based on values and career goals.
  • Explore post-graduate internships for additional experience.

Summer: Gain Experience & Expand Network

Professional Development & Networking

  • Attend networking dinners, career fairs, and professional association events—opportunities now often lead to jobs later.
  • Schedule informational interviews to learn about roles, companies, and next steps.
  • Stay in touch with mentors, faculty, and career advisors for guidance after graduation.
  • Polish resume, cover letters, LinkedIn, and portfolio for applications.
  • Confirm 2–3 references for job or graduate school recommendations.

Career Experience & Preparation

  • Apply for full-time jobs, graduate school, or service programs 3–6 months prior to start dates.
  • Participate in practice interviews and career coaching sessions.
  • Consider alternate post-graduation plans: working abroad, volunteering, graduate assistantships, or military service.
  • Reflect on your “career story” and practice presenting it in multiple formats (short introduction vs. longer response).