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Students in caps and gowns at commencement.

Focus and Finish

ADVISING HOMEUNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMSGRADUATE PROGRAMSMINORS

Along with taking an active role in the academic advising process, take your learning to the next level by reviewing the opportunities below. Utilize the many resources here to help you succeed academically, reach your graduation “finish line,” and prepare for life beyond OU.

Explore Your Options (freshman status)
  • Explore your interests and strengths with your academic adviser each semester
    • Advisers in the First Year Advising Center are the first professional advisers you’ll meet with
    • Narrow your major/career choices by utilizing Focus2OU
    • Research your options through online career exploration, informational interviews, job shadowing, volunteering and more
  • Become involved on campus
  • Introduce yourself to your professors and visit their office hours
    • Professors are experts in their field and can provide you with valuable resources. They are here to help you.
  • Earn at least 28 credits and aim for a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
    • Reach sophomore standing by the end of your first year (farewell freshmen!)
Engage in Your Major (sophomore status)
  • Meet with your academic adviser each semester to review your degree evaluation
    • Now that you declared a major, you’ll meet with an academic adviser from your school/college
  • Participate in the Second Year Experience (SYE)
    • Take part in at least two engagement activities across four key areas:  major/minor/career, research, campus/community and wellness.
  • Gain leadership skills through campus involvement
    • Take your involvement to the next level by applying for a student leader position such as Admissions Ambassador, Career Ambassador, CMI Peer Mentor, Orientation Group Leader, Resident Assistant, SI Leader, student organization officer, Peer Tutor or Writing Consultant
  • Engage with Career and Life Design to explore possibilities
    • Learn about career-related options for your major
    • Get help with your resume and social media branding
  • Earn at least 56 credits and aim for a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
    • Reach junior standing by the end of your second year (sayonara sophomores!)
Gain Relevant Experience (junior status)
  • Meet with your academic adviser to review your degree evaluation
    • You’ve become pretty good friends with your academic adviser, right?
  • Narrow career options then search for career-related experience
    • Employers expect 2-3 internships before graduation. Now is the time to do internships, co-ops, field placements, clinicals and patient-care experience.
    • Also gain experience through volunteering, research, study away or abroad or job shadowing a professional.
  • Consider your graduate/professional school options and prepare for admission to intended programs
    • Investigate graduate school options, research the standardized tests and registration deadlines, and obtain letters of recommendation
  • Capitalize on resources within the Career and Life Design Center to give you a professional, competitive edge
    • Meet with a Career and Life Design Coach to create/update your resume, complete a mock interview and get help with your job search
    • Attend career-related events that can connect you to employers
  • Earn at least 91 credits and aim for a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
    • Reach senior standing by the end of your third year (adiós juniors!)
Launch Your Future (senior status)
  • Meet with your academic adviser the semester before you graduate to complete your graduation audit
  • Apply for graduation early by the posted deadline
  • Visit Career and Life Design Center to ensure you’re ready to apply for jobs or graduate/professional school
    • Finalize your job search strategies, ensure your resume is market-ready and prepare for tough interview questions.
  • Proactively pursue multiple leads connecting to employment opportunities
    • Use more than one way to connect to prospective employers: continue to build a professional network, attend career/job fairs, maximize job searching and networking features of social media
    • Consider alternatives to full-time employment like part-time jobs, internships, volunteering or other experiences related to your career goals
  • Walk across the stage at commencement
    • Congratulations, you reached the finish line! Welcome to your future!
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