The Office of Career & Calling helps students figure out what they want to do … and then how to do it! The S.O.A.R. plan guides students through the process of discerning who they are and how they live out their calling.
The Four-Year Plan – Self-Assessment, Occupational Exploration, Actual Decision Making, Results
Freshman Year | Sophomore Year | Junior Year | Senior Year
Freshman Year
Self-Assessment
- Explore academic interests by taking a variety of courses.
- Meet with career advisor and determine if self-assessment inventories would help narrow down your interests, strengths and values. The Myers-Briggs, SII and StrengthsQuest are available in the Office of Career & Calling.
- Gather information about majors/careers you are interested in:
- “What Can I Do With A Major In…” sheets are displayed at the Office of Career & Calling.
- The Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET have specific information on career options.
- Interview professors in majors that interest you.
- Volunteer/shadow activities that interest you. Use your breaks — winter, spring and summer — to either find jobs in areas of interest or volunteer in addition to working to gain experience and knowledge for the future.
Sophomore Year
Occupational Exploration
- Meet with career advisor to discuss resources & opportunities that will help you further explore your graduate school and/or career-related interests. Brainstorm ideas for complementing your classroom learning with relevant experience to start filling the gaps in your resume.
- Learn about career paths that are relevant to your interests in the following ways:
- Research career paths through resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET.
- Job shadow an Asbury alum or personal contact to get the insider’s view into a career.
- Conduct at least three informational interviews with professionals in your field of interest.
- Attend CCC events.
- Consider seeking a mentor to discuss path — faculty, employer, etc.
- Get involved outside of the classroom through clubs & campus organizations. Choose activities that will allow you to gain experience and further develop your skills.
- Develop a base resume & LinkedIn profile.
- Consider finding an internship or a summer job that will help develop your marketable skills.
Junior Year
Actual Decision Making
- Narrow your occupation options:
- Research and talk with professors and professionals about what type of experience is needed in your targeted field.
- Weigh the pros and cons of occupations.
- Continue to seek opportunities in areas of interest — shadow, volunteer, intern.
- Consider your need to continue your education:
- Attend graduate school fairs and research various schools of interest.
- Meet with career advisor and/or faculty and go over choices and fit for graduate school.
- Update your resume & LinkedIn profile.
- Intern in a field you are seriously considering.
Senior Year
Results
- Decide to pursue a job and/or graduate school.
- Job Search:
- Develop and implement effective job search strategies.
- List all potential contacts and continue to network.
- Research organizations or potential employers.
- Graduate School:
- Take GRE or other entrance exam.
- Research graduate schools and their requirements for admittance.
- Refine & tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile, application materials, cover letters, essays to include specific examples and accomplishments from your experience.
- Sharpen your interviewing skills.
- Be persistent.