Step 3: Design Your Career Plan and Take Action
Designing a plan doesn’t lock you in. Instead, it gives you a roadmap you can adapt as you grow, learn, and gain new insights. When you take action, like trying a class, talking to a mentor, or doing an internship, you learn more about what works for you and what doesn’t. In addition, it is a great way to gain more experience specific to your fields of interest.
Meet 1:1 with a Career Coach to Design Your Career
Additional Ways to Gain Experience
Internships and jobs are just a few examples of prototypes. Prototyping opportunities are important because they allow individuals to test possible career paths through low-risk, real-world experiences, helping them learn, adapt, and make more informed decisions before committing. The amount of time you spend trying out the experience depends on your specific timeline and needs.
For more information connect with our "Self-Guided - Internship and Job Boards page" to find opportunities locally to globally.
Prototype for 1 day, 1 month, or more
- Job Shadowing
- Volunteering
- Micro-internships
- Trainings
Resources:
- UCCSLead(Leadership Training)
- UCCS Internships Page (Discuss internships for academic credit)
- Mountain Lion Connect - MLC (Database for career-related events and opportunities)
Prototype for 1 semester or more
- Internships
- Practicums
- Fellowships
- Assistantships
- Research
- Part-Time Jobs
- On-Campus Employment
- Taking Classes
- Study Abroad
- Student Clubs
- Professional Organizations
- Volunteering
- Shadowing
Resources:
- Job/Internship Search Page
- Mountain Lion Connect - MLC (Database for clubs on campus)
- UCCS Office of Undergraduate Research
- UCCS Academic Advisors (Discuss skill-building coursework)
- UCCS Office of International Affairs (Study abroad)
- LinkedIn (Network with UCCS alumni and companies)
Prototype for 6 months or more
- Part-Time Jobs
- Full Time Jobs
- Gap Year Opportunities
Resources:
- Job/Internship Search Page
- LinkedIn (Network with UCCS alumni and companies)