Sophomore Career Checklist

Your sophomore year is a great time to explore career options, get involved on campus, and start connecting your major to your future goals. Use this checklist to stay on track each semester and make the most of your TSU experience!

Fall: Prepare for What’s Next

Career Development

  • Update your Handshake profile and resume — upload it for review at cpc.tsu.edu.
  • Attend Career Pathways Center events such as workshops, panels, or employer info sessions.
  • Connect with employers and alumni through Career Communities.
  • Explore career pathways tied to your major — identify potential internships for junior year.

Academic & Personal Growth

  • Meet with your Academic Advisor to align your coursework with your career interests.
  • Continue improving your time management and leadership skills.
  • Reflect on what you’ve learned so far — what excites you most about your field?

Spring: Focus on Exploration & Growth

Time Management

  • Research strategies to manage your time effectively.
  • Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) to stay organized
  • Use a planner or digital calendar to balance classes, work, and downtime.
  • Check out this SMART Goals Tracker: studyright.net SMART Goals

Extracurricular Involvement

  • Join a student organization, professional association, or intramural sport.
  • Volunteer for a cause or event you’re passionate about.
  • Explore summer opportunities—note application deadlines early!

Career Exploration

  • Take an online career assessment to discover potential career paths: Roadtrip Nation Career Finder
  • Meet with a Career Advisor at the Career Pathways Center to review your results.
  • Talk with professors, mentors, or professionals about their career journeys.

Summer: Build Experience & Enrichment

Summer Enrichment

  • Confirm your summer plans — consider internships, part-time jobs, academic programs, travel, or volunteer experiences.
  • Create a summer reading list from faculty or career-related recommendations.
  • Attend Career Pathways Center workshops or career webinars to strengthen your professional skills.
  • Visit cpc.tsu.edu to learn about internship and service-learning opportunities.

Financial Literacy

  • Research scholarships, grants, and financial aid options: • https://finaid.org/ • https://studentaid.gov/
  • Complete a financial education course such as Money Smart by the FDIC: Money Smart
  • Use the College Affordability and Transparency Center tools: https://collegecost.ed.gov/
  • Check out the “net price calculator” on college websites to estimate costs for graduate or professional school options.