College allows for countless opportunities to learn new information, meet new people, and engage in new experiences. This guide covers what to include in a four-year plan so that you achieve academic and career success here at IU Indianapolis and beyond. Your path might repeat a step or two, or even take a different turn, but the plan noted below can help you reach your goals and graduate college in four years!
Your map to success
Your first year
- Meet with a student success advisor or career consultant to discuss major and career options.
- Use resources to learn about your values, interests, personality, and skills and to explore majors and careers.
- Review degree maps to see what courses you need to take to earn your degree.
- Attend Pedersen Major Career Information Day, Fall Career Week, and other events to learn from faculty, staff, alumni, and employers.
- Conduct an informational interview or job shadow.
- Learn how to apply or transition to your degree-granting school.
- Confirm your major and explore minors and certificates to complement your degree.
- Create your resume and complete your Handshake profile.
Your second year
- Join an IU Indianapolis student organization related to your interests or major.
- Enhance and develop your skill set through work experience.
- Plan for or secure a relevant internship.
- Develop a plan for engaged learning experiences (research, service-learning, study abroad).
- Update your resume with new experiences and skills.
- Continue to attend major and career events to develop your network.
- Meet with an advisor to plan classes and confidently update your major if needed.
- Transition into your degree-granting school.
- Consider graduate and professional school options and requirements.
Your third year
- Participate in an engaged learning opportunity (e.g., study abroad, research, service learning).
- Complete a relevant first internship.
- Participate in events and organizations within your degree-granting school.
- Attend career events that relate to your major for networking and guidance.
- Apply for major-related internships.
- Meet with your school’s career office and update your resume.
- Meet with your school advisor to maintain progress toward academic and professional goals and verify you are on track for your intended graduation date.
- Build your network by attending events.
Your fourth year
- Participate in engaged learning opportunities to continue gaining experience and skills.
- Meet with your school advisor to apply for graduation and to conduct a final check.
- Meet with your career office for assistance with your job search, to finalize application materials (e.g., cover letter, resume, portfolio) for employment, and to conduct mock interviews.
- Apply for full-time positions for graduate/professional programs.
- Graduate!
- Connect with the IU Indianapolis Office of Alumni Relations to continue building your professional networking.
Meet with an advisor or career consultant
Schedule an appointmentIU Indianapolis
Academic and Career Development
Taylor Hall, 3004
815 W Michigan St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Monday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed