1. H OW TO GET AHEAD AND EARN … A college degree AND a career!

2. CHOOSING A MAJOR This module is designed to assist you in having a better understanding of how to enhance your career prospects and marketability by participating in appropriate activities and utilizing on- campus services.

3. W HAT CAN YOU DO TO STAND OUT FROM OTHER GRADUATES AND BECOMING MORE MARKETABLE ?  Yes, your GPA is very important, especially for a new graduate, but will it really set you apart from many others?  Chances are, a great GPA will get you in the door for an interview, but you’ll need more to get in the running for being hired! Consider how the following information WILL help you stand out and become the front runner for a new job or internship!

4. G OOD GRADES ARE IMPORTANT … BUT … THERE IS MORE TO BEING PREPARED ! A guest speaker at SuccessX at Indiana State University said in October, 2014 “After I was in the workforce, very few people asked about my GPA. Potential employers DID ask about my experiences in internships, externships, summer jobs – the out of class experiences that enhanced my skill set,” Rukiya Campbell, director of Communications 21, a marketing and public relations agency in Atlanta. Ask your advisor or favorite professor if they know of opportunities for you!

5. C O - CURRICULAR EXPERIENCES OFFER YOU: social, cultural, educational and personal development leadership empowerment and encouragement to reach your full potential civic responsibility respect for diversity You can bring all of these skills to your first job, and be ready to work! Mission of EIU Student Life Office, http://www.eiu.edu/slo/mission.php

6. T HESE ARE MORE THAN JUST BUZZ WORDS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR INTERVIEW ANSWERS ! Collaboration — Create partnerships that build a sense of community. Involvement — Engaging in experiences that compliment the classroom. Student-Centeredness — Focused on meeting needs and expectations. Diversity/Inclusiveness — Values, accepts and embraces diversity. Empowerment — Value stakeholders, autonomy and decision making. Social Responsibility — Accountability for actions and behaviors. Civic and Community Engagement — Service and contributions to others. Innovative — Promoting positive programming through change. Do you understand what these characteristics mean? Are they important to you? Can you demonstrate or share examples of including them in your activities? Values of EIU Student Life Office, http://www.eiu.edu/slo/mission.php

7. H OW DO YOU CHOOSE ACTIVITIES ? U SE THESE TIPS TO HELP YOU DECIDE WHAT TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH. The Quality of activities is more important than quantity! Is your time spent on an involvement growth- producing, productive or meaningful? How has leadership or initiative been demonstrated? What kind of outside recognition has been received?

8. H OW DO YOU CHOOSE ACTIVITIES ? Do YOU show: * competence*effectiveness *responsibility*high energy level *passion *cooperation *adventurous nature *curiosity *perseverance *maturity *character *focus *sustained commitment Do YOU show an interest in the lives and welfare of others? Do YOU help your family or community; or appreciate opportunities you've had?

9. S O, WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE BEST FOR INCLUDING THESE BUZZWORDS AND SKILLS ? There is NOT one specific type or specific organization that is best for you. You will need to determine what you are personally interested in as well as what may be useful for your professional future. Think about things you like to participate in or are passionate about. Consider the types of RSO’s (Registered Student Organization’s) listed at the right. Check with your Student Life Office for opportunities. Types of RSO: Religious Multicultural Service Academic Greek Honorary Social Athletic Political Governing

10. A RE THERE ACTIVITIES TO AVOID ? OF COURSE! We are not saying, don’t have fun, socialize and enjoy your time as a college student…. But…. Think a little before you participate in events that may leave you with professors or future employers doubting your skills or sense of responsibility. This Animal House character sure had fun and was passionate, but he didn’t always deliver his message in the best way!

11. Of course, having a passion or interest in a cause makes the activity more enjoyable, but you should choose ones that you will gain from personally, not just something to fill a line on your resume! You’ve probably heard it more times that you can count, “be careful what you post on social media, you never know who will see it”. Well, if you don’t (or didn’t) believe them, check out this 3 minute video: Socialnomics You will see the power of social media! click above

12. L ET ’ S PUT THIS ALL TOGETHER ! Now you know, it is important to choose a career path or major that will make you happy and will feed a passion that you have! Now you know which activities will enhance your ability to find internships and help you find a great job! Now you know which types of activities should be avoided! You will find offices and services on campus with support for all of the areas to help you succeed in your college career! The next two slides will tell you what they are and where these are located!

13. W HERE TO FIND HELP ON EIU’ S CAMPUS ! Ninth Street Hall offers many services including : Academic Advising Center: http://www.eiu.edu/~advising/http://www.eiu.edu/~advising/ The centers purpose is to assist with the development and achievement of students' academic goals. Student Success Center: http://www.eiu.edu/success/http://www.eiu.edu/success/ “Our mission is to provide comprehensive programs and holistic services that will empower students and connect them with the resources they need to achieve both academic and personal goals.” Office of Student Disability Services: http://www.eiu.edu/~disablty/ http://www.eiu.edu/~disablty/ This office is committed to ensuring that their students have the necessary resources to be successful throughout campus.

14. Y OU DON ’ T HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL YOUR SENIOR YEAR TO START PLANNING YOUR CAREER ! Career Services is located in the Human Services Building. http://www.eiu.edu/careers/ http://www.eiu.edu/careers/ This office offers professional development skills, students actually have the opportunity get out in the field and enhance their skills. Once you have declared a major, you will meet with the department faculty and advisors to arrange your plan of study. Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in majors clubs, and other events dedicated to students in your department!

15. Study hard and engage in activities that will help you stand out from other majors! This will increase your career opportunities! Don’t forget to stay in touch with EIU to let us know about your successes!