Year by Year

Advising

In-person or virtually, we’re here for every student during their time at Eckerd and long after they graduate. During this time, we’re able to offer all of our regular services via video call appointments. Appointments are unlimited and easily scheduled on TritonTrack. We can help students:

  • Discover their professional passions using major and career exploration tools
  • Apply to jobs on and off campus, including remote opportunities
  • Perfect their resume and cover letters
  • Find and meet alumni and employers
  • Present professionally
  • Ace their interviews
  • Tell their story to employers

Grad school prep

If graduate school is in your future, Career Services will assist you as you plan your next steps. We can help students:

  • Research areas of interest and specialization
  • Obtain application materials
  • Draft personal essays and research statements
  • Finalize applications
  • Communicate professionally with prospective schools
  • Practice for graduate school interviews

Students are also encouraged to work with faculty members in their disciplines to prepare for graduate school.

Year by year

First Year: Fall

  • Make an advising appointment on TritonTrack
    New arrivals at Eckerd can meet with Career Advisors to explore career opportunities, create a resume, find jobs on campus, and more.
  • Apply for an on-campus job
    We have positions specifically designated for Federal Work Study (FWS) and Student Assistantships (SA) for all Eckerd students.
  • Explore “What Can I Do with This Major?“
    This tool allows you to see areas of specialization and types of employers for every major and minor at Eckerd.
  • Join clubs or on-campus organizations
    Become part of the Eckerd community, develop your professional skills, and have fun!
  • Begin searching for summer volunteer and internship opportunities
    Many employers begin hiring summer interns as early as October! Start looking ahead to the summer with a Career Advisor’s help.
  • Attend Career Services events
    We update students weekly via our newsletter about upcoming events and opportunities

First Year: Spring

  • Check out the career resources on the Career Services website for current students
  • Take the Strong Interest Inventory
    The Strong Interest Inventory, offered for free through Career Services, helps students and alumni focus their career paths by identifying the areas of interest that motivate them most.
  • Get involved with student organizations
    Career Services encourages students to be actively involved with campus organizations and to take on leadership responsibility when they’re ready—all of this counts as professional development!
  • Create a LinkedIn profile with a Career Advisor’s help
  • Apply for summer volunteer positions or an internship

Sophomore Year: Fall

  • Make an advising appointment on TritonTrack
    We know sophomore year presents its own unique challenges, and Career Services is ready to help every sophomore create their “road map” through this crucial time.
  • Stay involved with student organizations
  • Attend Career Services events
  • Begin your summer internship search early
    Many employers begin hiring summer interns as early as October! Start looking ahead to the summer with a Career Advisor’s help.
  • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in your field(s) of interest
    In an informational interview, a student asks a professional questions about their educational path, their job, or their field/industry. Using the Career Contacts program in TritonTrack and the Eckerd LinkedIn alumni database, Career Advisors can help students find alumni and other professionals to talk to.
  • Science & math students: prepare to apply for summer REUs
    “REU” stands for “Research Experiences for Undergraduates.” These science-focused opportunities typically take place over the summer months and allow participants to hone their research, laboratory, and/or field skills at a host institution. REUs are highly competitive, and the application process begins early. Expect to apply in January or February for summer REUs.

Sophomore Year: Spring

  • Apply for summer internships and REUs
    Most programs have deadlines earlier than students anticipate: be prepared to apply in January and February for summer opportunities. A Career Advisor can assist with search and application strategy.
  • Practice your interviewing skills with a Career Advisor
    Got invited to interview for a position? Arrange a mock interview with Career Services to practice and receive feedback.
  • Attend Career Services events with guest alumni and professional speakers
    Watch for our weekly newsletter and other email announcements with information about the latest events and programs.
  • Continue to build relationships with fellow students, faculty, and staff
  • Continue conducting informational interviews
  • Volunteer for leadership positions in campus organizations
    Taking on leadership positions provides opportunities to hold more responsibility and learn the professional skills desired by employers.

Junior Year: Fall

  • Make an advising appointment on TritonTrack
    The beginning of junior year is an ideal time to start planning life after graduation in more detail. Work with a Career Advisor to locate opportunities to develop the key skills you’ll need for your dream job.
  • Prepare to apply for a spring or summer internship, especially if you have not completed one yet
  • Science & math students: prepare to apply for summer REUs (Research Opportunities for Undergraduates)
  • Research graduate programs if interested
  • Research the Peace Corps, Fulbright, and other post-bac programs if interested

Junior Year: Spring

  • Apply for summer internships and REUs
  • Research jobs related to your major
    Career Advisors can help students explore jobs related to your major through the Strong Interest Inventory, What Can I Do With This Major?, job boards, professional associations, and by assisting with informational interviews.
  • Purchase professional clothing
    Our visual “Dress For Success” guides outline interview-appropriate styles. Keep an eye out for the next Career Closet pop-up, where students can select free professional clothes donated by alumni and others in the Eckerd community.
  • Attend and/or present at conferences and symposiums
  • Network with alumni and professionals in your field
    Not sure how to network? No problem! Meet with a Career Advisor to get started.

Senior Year: Fall

  • Identify your career goals with a Career Advisor
    Senior year got you stressed? Outlining your goals early in senior year allows you to create a deliberate strategy to prep for life after Eckerd. We’ll help you develop your job search or grad school search plans.
  • Curate a list of potential employers
  • Identify potential references and exchange contact info
  • Work with a Career Advisor to craft your professional story for your applications and interviews
  • If applying to graduate school, complete applications
  • If applicable: complete Peace Corps, Fulbright, or other post-bac program applications

Senior Year: Spring

  • Meet with a Career Advisor regularly for search, application, and interview tips
  • Attend Senior Series to learn about the job search and life after Eckerd
  • Network with alumni and professionals in your field
    Not sure how to network? No problem! Meet with a Career Advisor to get started.
  • Apply! Apply! Apply!