Sophomore Year: Academic and Career Exploration
In the sophomore year, there is continuing focus on competency and skills development and on exploration in course selections through further attention to requirements.
Each student declares a major at the end of this year. Practically speaking, this emphasis on competencies and skills, interests, and exploration makes it possible for students to have earned prerequisites for several major options and prerequisites for minors and supporting programs that can enhance the major and support career goals.
To meet career development goals, the sophomore year is a time for the student to gather information and continue self-assessment. Activities should include:
- reviewing, revising, and/or reaffirming interests, skills, and values in an effort to evaluate assets and liabilities;
- accepting leadership roles on campus to expand a track record;
- continuing to explore possible areas of career interest and learning what preparation is needed for certain fields under consideration, particularly through informational interviewing, where the student can talk with a person successful in that field and learn more about how one prepares for it, what it involves, and what the current possibilities of employment and advancement in it are;
- trying out a career field through a summer internship; and
- continuing to develop a work-in-progress resume.
