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ROADMAP to SUCCESS Utilize this tool to gather information and guide you toward your career goals . Suggestions for use: Keep your Roadmap to Success in a safe, memorable place. Review monthly to fill in completed activities, and identify opportunities for growth . Have your Roadmap to Success available when you meet with your Career Services Specialist. Use this map as a tool to complete your resume and as a source of information in your job search process. SELF ASSESSMENT : Take the available self -assessments and write down your results below. TypeFocus – Personality : TypeFocus - Interests: TypeFocus - Values: StrengthsQuest - Top 5 Talents: CAREER EXPLORATION: Start doing research on the various industries/companies you might be interested in joining Join a professional organization and attend their meetings/events . Organization: Date Joined: Meetings Take Place: Take a tour of a company that interest s you . Conduct an informational interview to gain a bet ter understanding about the occupation or Industry . Contact Name: Organization: Date: Job shadow a professional in your industry for a day . GOAL SETTING & CAREER PLANNING : Brainstorm about your ultimate career objectives and long term goals. Calculate short term goals to assist you in achieving the long term goals . Create a list of 10 target companies for which you would be interested in working: 1. 6. 2. 7. 3. 8. 4. 9. 5. 10. STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 The University’s programs and services are designed to prepare students and graduates to pursue employment in their field of study or related field; however, the University does not guarantee that students or graduates will be placed in any particular position or employment. Any statistics referenced on the website and attrib uted to a source other than Ashford University have not been independently verified by Ashford University. Career Services abides by the principles of professional conduct set forth by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE ). ROADMAP to SUCCESS GAINING EXPERIENCE: Volunteer with a company/non -profit group in your chosen industry . Organization: Start & End Dates: Responsibilities: Complete an internship or part time job in your field . Company: Start & End Dates: Responsibilities: DEVELOP YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS: Your resume is your marketing tool and the first impression an employer has of you. Be sure it explains that you have the qualities for which the employer is looking. Create drafts of your resume to use for your job search Build a draft of your cover letter Create your personal business cards Have Career Services review and critique your resume Upload your resume to the Job Search & Resume Builder tool Establish at least 3 professional reference s Name: Job Title: Contact Information: 1. 2. 3. JOB SEARCH & NETWORKING : According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 73% of jobs are found through networking. Begin establishing your professional network . Become familiar with industry job search sites and application processes Feel comfortable with making phone calls (c old calls and follow up calls) with employers Create, maintain, and clean up your online reputation (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Develop your elevator pitch Join LinkedIn Groups Attend prof essional networking events and meetings Keep a job log of the companies and positions to which you’ve applied, and where you are in the hiring process STEP 4 STEP 5 STEP 6 The Universi ty’s programs and services are designed to prepare students and graduates to pursue employment in their field of study or rel ated field; however, the University does not guarantee that students or graduates will be placed in any particular position or empl oyment. Any statistics referenced on the website and attributed to a source other than Ashford University have not been independently verified by Ashford University. Career Services abides by the principles of professional conduct set forth by the Nationa l Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE ). ROADMAP to SUCCESS INTERVIEW PREPARATION : As you prepare for interviews, you must know yourself: experience, strengths , and transferrable skills to communicate to employers. Research industry specific interview questions Complete a mock interview with your Career Services Specialist Prepare your professional appearance Reflect on your pe rsonal skills, accomplishments, and strengths to highlight in your interview Conduct research on the company and industry for which you are interviewing Establish a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview Prepare drafts of Thank You notes to send after y our interview CAREER SELF MANAGEMENT: Assess your progress toward your career goals. How have you done so far? How have your goals changed? Update your resume frequently Participate in professional development workshops & seminars Become familiar with basic salary negotiation strategies THINGS TO REMEMBER:  A job search can take between 6 to 8 months or more in tough economic times.  Persistence is the key; if you are not getting response s from employers , assess your job search strategies and see where you may be able to make some improvements .  Be sure to look at the big picture ; assess where a job can lead you in the future , not just what it can offer you today. STEP 8 STEP 8 STEP 7 The Universi ty’s programs and services are designed to prepare students and graduates to pursue employment in their field of study or rel ated field; however, the University does not guarantee that students or graduates will be placed in any particular position or empl oyment. Any statistics referenced on the website and attributed to a source other than Ashford University have not been independently verified by Ashford University. Career Services abides by the principles of professional conduct set forth by the Nationa l Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE ).