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Career Education

Vassar College

Four Year Plan

Vassar College has an array of opportunities to support you in achieving a well-rounded education. The following suggestions are designed to assist you in maximizing your college experience to ensure career satisfaction. 

Hiring Timeframes by industry graph

Below you will find a brief overview of the suggested timeline for your Vassar College experience. It’s also helpful to know when you should start looking for jobs and internships, as different industries have different hiring timelines.

View the Hiring Timelines by Industry (97K) for guidelines on what types of opportunities you can expect to find each month of the year!

First Year: Transition, Exploration and Discovery

  • Get involved in campus activities and organizations
  • Familiarize yourself with the resources of the various offices and departments on campus
  • Set up contact with the Center for Career Education (CCE)
  • Get to know your Handshake account—it can be used to schedule appointments at the CCE, to plan for interviews and events, and to find jobs/internships 
  • Identify your interests, skills, and values as they are all important in life and in your career
  • Begin/update your resume
  • Plan for the summer

Sophomore Year: Academic Decisions, Hands-On Exploration, and Involvement

  • Continue to explore the wealth of information the many offices and departments on campus offer
  • Declare your major
  • Consider Study Away options
  • Network with family, friends, and colleagues
  • Plan for internships, jobs, and other experiential opportunities
  • Become a leader—step up in the organizations and clubs you are a part of

Junior Year: Research, Experience, and Strategizing

  • Pursue an internship in your field of interest
  • Consider graduate school and the related testing
  • Solidify relationships with faculty, supervisors, and others who have influenced you
  • Attend workshops and presentations that might further your goals
  • Seek out employers who are attractive to you and scout opportunities
  • Request references from professors and employers
  • Reach out to alums in relevant fields through our extensive Alum Directory

Senior Year: Planning, Graduating, and Transitioning

  • Keep exploring your options
  • Continue to attend workshops (some are senior-specific!) and other development opportunities
  • Prepare and take tests for graduate work (i.e., GRE, LSAT, MCAT)
  • Polish your resume—assure that it is up-to-date and accurate
  • Continue to network