Career planning starts earlier than most people think. Some decided in grade school, others started narrowing their career path while in high school. Some remain undecided as they enter college, and many others – of all ages – struggle with the decision. NEO offers these tips and resources to help with the career field selection and then how to prepare for, look for and interview for jobs as you begin your career.
Choosing a career field
Focus 2
FOCUS is a self-paced, online career and education planning tool for use by college students. It will enable you to self-assess your career relevant personal qualities and explore career fields and major areas of study that are most compatible with your assessment results. Students who use FOCUS make better decisions about their goals and plans and learn how to self-manage their careers. Use FOCUS to help you choose or change your major and also to verify your preferences or early choice of a career field. NEO offers this tool through the Success Center.
Access code: NORSE
My Next Move
- For students and job seekers
- Easy to use search and career overview
- Web-based Interest Profiler
- For students
- Create a personal portfolio
- Online career cluster inventory
VISIT OK Career Information System
Preparing for a job search
Gather the information you need to write a professional resume and cover letter but be prepared to customize each resume and cover letter to highlight your skills, education and experiences that related to the job that is posted.
Create a professional resume (PDF)
Online Resume Builder (link)
Resume Builder assists you to create an effective and professional resume by providing expert tips, writing examples, and helpful suggestions. The software also comes with a cover letter builder, thank you letter builder and more. For all students registering for the first time or returning students logging in, visit the resume builder now and sign in with your university issued email address. Contact the Student Support Services office for information and access.
Draft a professional cover letter (PDF)
Obtain letters of recommendation
Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals in your area!
Where to find job opportunities
If you are interested in working for a specific company or organization, visit their website to view job openings. Don’t forget to check NEO’s Job Board – we are a great place to work!
Visit the company or organization to ask about potential job openings or opportunities and drop off your resume. This may lead to an opportunity to shadow, intern or even be hired for a position.
Never underestimate the power of networking. Ask your friends and family to refer opportunities. Use Linked In, attend events where you might meet representatives of businesses that you are interested in. Rarely to jobs come to you. The Success Center frequently posts job openings on the Success Center Facebook page.
Websites that post job openings
Check the classified ads in your local newspaper: