1. Transitional Programs
Jennifer Finney – Career Consultant
Shauna Sweeney – Career Counseling Intern

2. Agenda What is a transitional program?
Why participate in a transitional program?
How does a student figure out what they want to do?
Search Strategies
Example transitional programs
Today we will be presenting for an hour and a half on some very important information regarding Engineering Career Services (ECS) and go over common questions and misunderstandings. For ECS this is the first time we have presented this material in this format. Therefore, we have compiled a lot of important information that will help you get a jump start on your job search and really help prepare you for this busy recruiting season. Additionally, you will learn some insiders knowledge to give you an edge. It’s a competitive job market, and we want you to succeed.
It is important to take notes and save your questions for the indicated section. We have a lot of material to cover and we may actually answer your question along the way. This way we will be sure to get through all the material. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions at the end or in the near future.
Some of you may know this material or it may seem like common sense. We ask that you stay focused and try to gain something from the material. This information is useful to all, no matter what your major is or degree level. Mastering this information will surely help you land a great opportunity this school year.
We will talk about ECS Services and what we can help you with. We will also tell you about our structure and how we partner with the other career centers on WU’s campus.
We will also go into detail about OCR within ECS. This is a great way to land an opportunity. Employers spend a lot of money and resources each year to attract and employ SEAS students by coming to campus. You do not want to miss out on these opportunities to get noticed and possibly land a great job.
Finally we will give an overview of the job search process. This is a step by step explanation of how you should probably go about your job search. This process will give you a high level of understanding and help you avoid common mistakes. More detailed information can be attained by attending a workshop on the topic or making an individual appointment within our department.

3. What is a transitional program?
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4. What is a transitional program?
Short-term
May pay a salary, a stipend, or assist with paying off loans or paying toward grad school
Variety of interest areas: government, public policy, teaching, faith-based service, nonprofit training, health, theater, etc.
Application process may be more extensive
Deadlines throughout the year – some as early as fall
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5. Why participate in a transitional program?
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6. Why participate in a transitional program?
Chosen for a variety of reasons:
Not sure what to do longterm yet
Want a break before more school
Test out an area
Learn new skills / training
Travel
Give back
Delay student loans
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7. How does a student figure out what they want to do?
Write down (think about people, environment, skills):
When’s the last time you lost track of time doing something you enjoyed?
What are you proudest of?
When have you felt happiest?
What do you want to get out of this next step? What are your goals?
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8. Search Strategies Research! Network! Talk to your Career Center!
“Gap year programs,” “corps,” “fellows,” etc.
For WU students: Use Careerlink
Look for the location-specific versions of national programs
Idealist.org - Opportunities Links to U.S. one- and two-year service opportunities.
Network!
Talk to friends who have done transitional programs (or something similar to what you want to do) -how did they find them, what else did they look at
Find alumni in LinkedIn!
Talk to your Career Center!
Apply!
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9. Example transitional programs
Example Categories
Education
Volunteer Farming
Health Research / Pre-Health
Public Affairs
Public Health
Social Justice / Service
Nonprofit Leadership
Religious
Environmental
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10. Contact Information
Washington University Career Center
Jennifer Finney –
Careercenter.wustl.edu
Phone: (DUC 110)