Timeline for Career Success

Getting Started

• Join IST and Penn State student organizations to build relationships, skills, and your resume.
• Practice networking at career events.
• Visit Nittany Lion Careers and check the "Events" tab for career fairs, info sessions, and workshops.
• Research College of IST majors. Meet with an academic adviser to explore how your interests align with different programs.

Throughout the Year

• Focus on maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, as some employers have GPA requirements.
• Meet with an IST career coach and explore the college's career resources.
• Update your resume and upload it to Nittany Lion Careers.
• Invest in business professional attire for career fairs, interviews, and networking events.
• Review your social media accounts. Adjust privacy settings and ensure your posts reflect a professional image.
• Build relationships with instructors, as they can offer valuable advice and serve as references.
• Consider creating a LinkedIn profile to expand your professional network.
• International students: Consult with Penn State Global to learn about CPT and OPT for internships and employment opportunities.

Getting Started

• Join a student organization related to your intended major.
• Attend company information sessions and career events, especially during the busy start of each semester.
• Update your resume to reflect experiences from your first year, including part-time jobs, research, and student organizations.
• Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with Penn State groups to expand your network.

Throughout the Year

• Look for internships or co-op opportunities in Nittany Lion Careers, as an internship is required for graduation.
• Start building your ePortfolio with classroom projects and personal work.
• Continue strengthening relationships with faculty, as they may provide recommendations in the future.
• Practice interviewing by scheduling a mock interview or using online resources.

Tips

• Ensure your voicemail message sounds professional.
• Reach out to alumni and professionals for informational interviews, a great way to learn more about potential career paths.

Getting Started

• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, including any professional, volunteer, or leadership experiences.
• Search for an internship to fulfill the IST 495 requirement.
• Attend career events and review details on Nittany Lion Careers. Focus on employers that interest you, especially during the fall recruiting season.
• Search for internship and co-op opportunities and apply for positions.

Throughout the Year

• Meet with a career coach to assist with your internship search, career preparation, and the IST 495 requirement.
• Join a professional organization related to your field and take advantage of networking opportunities.
• Update your ePortfolio with new projects and experiences.
• Practice interview skills by scheduling mock interviews.

Tips

• Be proactive and take full advantage of resources offered by the College of IST and Penn State Career Services.
• Research entrance exams if you plan to pursue graduate or professional school.
• Transfer students: Build relationships with faculty as soon as possible.

Getting Started

• Take any required entrance exams if you plan to attend graduate school.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, tailoring them to specific job opportunities. Include all professional and leadership experiences.
• Attend career events and review Nittany Lion Careers for information sessions and company workshops.

Throughout the Semester

• Perfect your interview skills with mock interviews, including phone and virtual options via Interview Stream.
• Search and apply for full-time entry-level positions on Nittany Lion Careers and other job platforms.
• Schedule on-campus interviews. If you are at a commonwealth campus, ask recruiters about virtual or phone interview options.
• Continue updating your ePortfolio with relevant projects.

Tips

• Contact professional references—professors, former employers, and others—for letters of recommendation.
• When you receive job offers, evaluate them carefully, especially if you have had successful internships or co-op experiences with previous employers.