Plan Your Future

Your Four-Year Pirate Career Plan

Begin with the end in mind—and make steady moves every year.

This plan breaks big questions (“What do I want to do?” and “How do I get there?”) into manageable steps supported by the Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD), your advisor, faculty, coaches, family, and fellow Pirates.

Download the Four-Year Plan (PDF)

  • Year 1: Learn the Ropes (Self-Discovery & Foundational Skills)

    Focus This Year

    Learn “how to college,” explore broadly, and start building relationships. Try organizations, events, and small experiences that can grow into bigger ones.

    Waypoints (Checklist)

    • Take TypeFocus during Welcome Week; talk with your advisor/professors/peers about majors and sample courses.
    • Follow CCPD on Instagram @pirate2pro and LinkedIn for fairs, tips, and spotlights.
    • Attend 2+ CCPD events (Curious Conversations, Career Treks, employer panels, workshops).
    • Meet a CCPD advisor once.
    • Build your first résumé; set up LinkedIn and PirateConnect.

    Professional Growth & Networking

    • Use FYS Purpose networking tools to “find your people.”
    • Join 1–2 student orgs or teams; go to office hours.
    • Visit the On-Campus & Part-Time Job Fair; find a job/volunteer role to build career-readiness skills.

    Pre-Professional Prep

    • Considering health or law? Attend Pre-Health Preview or Pre-Law Preview in the fall.

    Summer

    Work, shadow, volunteer, or research (e.g., SU SURF). Keep having “curious conversations” to explore interests.

  • Year 2: Sea Trials (Career Exploration & Skill Building)

    Focus This Year

    Test career options and grow professional experience; many internships function like entry-level roles. Internships, research, and other high-impact experiences are key to career success.

    Waypoints (Checklist)

    • Declare major/minor aligned to strengths and interests.
    • Attend at least one Internship & Career Fair each semester.
    • Conduct 4+ curious conversations with alumni/parents/pros (e.g., via COMPASS).
    • Participate in the SOAR Summit or 2+ CCPD programs to build career skills.
    • Apply for internships, research, or volunteer roles; meet CCPD to plan your search strategy.
    • Update your résumé and strengthen your LinkedIn brand (posts, comments, outreach).

    Professional Growth & Networking

    • Take on new responsibilities in clubs/orgs.
    • Explore leadership roles in campus life, athletics, or student organizations.

    Pre-Professional Prep

    • Pre-Health: Attend Check-Up for Sophomores; consider St. David’s Georgetown Hospital Shadowing Internship.

    Summer

    Study away/abroad, conduct research (e.g., SU SURF, Houston Methodist), or pursue internships/volunteer roles. Apply for the Funded Internship Program (spring deadlines).

  • Year 3: Chart Your Course (Experience & Professional Development)

    Focus This Year

    Continue with internships and other experiential learning and begin to identify your top career options. Grow your skills and your network for the best outcome. Some industries (e.g. finance, federal employment) recruit as early as junior year.

    Waypoints (Checklist)

    • Complete at least one high-impact experience (internship or research).
    • Reflect on what energized you (and what didn’t) to clarify next steps.
    • Identify 3–5 viable career or grad/professional school paths with a CCPD advisor.
    • Attend fairs, info sessions, and panels; build employer connections.
    • File your preliminary First-Destination Plan—and a contingency plan.

    Professional Growth & Networking

    • Sharpen writing, presenting, teamwork, and project management skills.
    • Attend professional conferences and networking events.

    Pre-Professional Prep

    • Health: Attend applicant workshops, prep for interviews, and take entrance exams if in cycle.

    Summer

    Study abroad; conduct research (SU SURF, Houston Methodist, NSF REUs); intern, work, or volunteer. Apply to the Funded Internship Program again. Connect with CCPD (open in summer; virtual options).

    • Health: Apply for SU HEALTH programs (e.g., Houston Methodist Willowbrook Observership). Earliest med-school application window opens.
  • Year 4: Set Sail (Transition & Launch)

    Focus This Year

    Implement your job or grad program search this year. Application processes can take several months, and some industries recruit well in advance, so get started at least by fall. 

    Waypoints (Checklist)

    • Complete one more internship/research experience.
    • Take required entrance exams (GRE, LSAT, MCAT) if applying senior year.
    • Attend fairs and recruiting sessions; research employers/programs deeply.
    • Confirm 3+ recommenders (faculty/supervisors).
    • Meet CCPD to customize your launch plan.
    • Tailor résumés, cover letters, and personal statements; get CCPD feedback.
    • Apply early to jobs and programs.

    Professional Growth & Networking

    • Book a practice interview with CCPD (and repeat as needed).
    • Attend networking receptions, conferences, and employer events.

    Pre-Professional Prep

    • Finalize grad/professional school applications; follow timelines closely.

    Summer (Post-Grad Runway)

    If timelines slip or offers arrive late, keep momentum: informational interviews, short-term projects, additional applications, and ongoing advising with CCPD until you land.