Year by Year - What You Need to Know
First Year (0-30 Credit Hours)
Goals: Explore, Experience and Investigate
- Take time to transition and adjust to university.
- Develop your academic skills.
- Explore and become knowledgeable about the different programs at Saint Mary’s University.
- Meet your academic advisor.
- Consider opportunities for study and travel abroad.
- Explore ideas for your major. Make sure you are satisfying program requirements when you plan future courses.
- Meet with a Career Counsellor to discuss your major and/or future plans.
- Write your first university-level resume.
- Activate your Co-Curricular Record, a tool for you to find, track and supplement your out-of-class experience.
Second Year (30-60 Credit Hours)
Goals: Self-Assessment and Career Research
- Research majors and begin to consider what subject areas are most interesting to you.
- Meet with a Career Counsellor to learn about your skills, interests, and preferences in relation to careers and academic programs.
- Visit the Career Development Centre to explore work options in your field of study. Explore experiential learning through campus and community activities.
- Attend the Volunteer Fair in September.
- Consider applying to a Co-op program to gain work experience.
- Update your Co-Curricular Record.
Third Year (60-90 Credit Hours)
Goals: Focus on Your Major or Field of Choice
- Meet with a Career Counsellor to clarify your program and career goals.
- Volunteer or work within your field of study to gain experience.
- Research your chosen field: job shadow, conduct informational interviews and begin to build your network.
- Develop your résumé and practice your interview skills at the Career Development Centre.
- Clarify admissions procedures for entrance to post-degree programs. If required, prepare for tests such as LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and MCAT. Develop contacts for reference letters for work and/or graduate school.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to ensure you’re on target to graduate and chose 4th-year courses.
- Update your Co-Curricular Record.
Fourth Year (90-120 Credit Hours)
Goals: Transition from SMU to Work or Grad School
- Apply to post-degree programs or internships.
- Visit the Career Development Center to develop creative work search skills and self-marketing strategies, including hidden job markets.
- Learn what it takes for success on the job.
- Attend career fairs, such as the Halifax Career Fair
- Be aware of recruiting opportunities on and off campus; view job postings starting in September of the final year.
- Network with industry professionals and alumni.
- Update your Co-Curricular Record.
- Important: Apply to graduate from the university.
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