What you can do now to prepare for life after graduation
Whether you're in your second year or gearing up for graduation, it's totally normal to feel unsure about your future. You might have a clear career path in mind or no clue what comes next—and that’s okay!
No matter where you are in your college journey, there are steps you can take now to build confidence, gain experience and get ready for life after CU Boulder.
If you’re in your second year: Explore interests and build skills
Your second year is a great time to start narrowing down your interests and gaining hands-on experience. Here’s how to get started:
Get a part-time job on campus to build your resume and explore different fields like marketing, research, customer service or athletic training.
Volunteer for causes you care about. Service Learning & Impact in Community Engagement (SLICE) has tons of opportunities to help you get involved and grow your skills.
Attend workshops on resumes, internships and job search strategies.
Set up informational interviews with professionals in fields you're curious about.
Go to career fairs and networking events to meet employers and learn about internships.
Activate your Handshake account to explore job and internship listings.
Thinking about graduate or professional school? Meet with a career advisor to learn about timelines and prep steps.
If you’re in your third year: Gain experience and get organized
Internships are a key part of career development, and many students land one during their third or fourth year. Here’s how to make the most of this time:
Complete your Handshake profile to connect with employers and find internships.
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your latest experiences.
Practice your elevator pitch to confidently introduce yourself to recruiters.
Prepare for interviews by practicing answers to common questions.
Attend career fairs and employer events to expand your network.
If you’re planning on graduate school, start researching programs, admissions requirements and standardized tests. Ask faculty for letters of recommendation and meet with a career advisor to work on your personal statement.
If you’re in your fourth or final year: Launch your career
Your final year is all about taking action. Job searches can take several months, so starting early is key. Here’s what to focus on:
Research companies and roles that align with your goals.
Practice and prepare for interviews.
If you’re applying to graduate or professional school, take any required tests and have your application materials reviewed by a career advisor and faculty member.
Find support
No matter what year you're in, Career Services is here to support you. From choosing a major to landing your first job or applying to grad school, we’ve got resources and advisors ready to help.