Skip to main content
NC State Home
Division of Academic and Student Affairs
Career Development Center

Career Action Plan

Explore | Prepare | Experience | Launch

Career development is a journey, not a single decision—and you don’t have to have everything figured out today. The Career Action Plan provides a step-by-step roadmap to help you explore your interests, gain meaningful experience, communicate your skills and experiences professionally and confidently launch your career. By taking intentional actions throughout your time at NC State, you’ll build the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to achieve your goals after graduation. Consider using the Career Action Plan Worksheet to set goals, track your progress and reflect on your growth throughout your time at NC State.

Explore: Discover your interests and career options.

  • Attend Your Pack, Your Path workshops.
  • Complete Clifton Strengths and attend a Clifton Strengths Career Workshop.
  • Complete the Focus2 Career Assessment and attend a Focus 2 Workshop to explore your interests, values, personality and career options.
  • Take the O*NET Interest Profiler and meet with a Career Counselor to interpret your results and develop a career exploration plan.
  • Enroll in Career Exploration (USC 202) to explore majors, careers and career decision-making strategies.
  • Research occupations using Occupational Outlook Handbook, O*Net Online, ePACK, CareerShift (accessible through ePACK), Interstride and LinkedIn.
  • Meet with a Career Counselor to discuss majors, career paths and strategies for exploring your options.
  • Conduct informational interviews with professionals and connect with NC State alumni using LinkedIn’s Alumni Search Tool.
  • Attend Career Fairs and employer information sessions to explore industries and career opportunities.
  • Explore graduate and professional school options and discuss your plans with a Career Counselor or Pre-Professional Advisor.
  • Visit the Career Development Center website to learn about programs, events and career resources available throughout your time at NC State.
  • Create your ePACK account.

Prepare: Communicate your skills with confidence.

  • Develop a targeted resume and cover letter and have them reviewed by a Career Counselor.
  • Create or update your LinkedIn profile and use the Career Development Center’s Professional Photo Booth for a professional headshot.
  • Participate in a mock interview.
  • Practice networking and communicating your experience to employers.
  • Identify and maintain relationships with professional references.
  • Explore graduate and professional school application requirements and prepare for entrance exams if applicable.
  • Meet with a Career Counselor to strengthen your resume, interview skills, LinkedIn profile and career strategy.

Experience: Build skills through real-world experiences.

  • Pursue internships, co-ops, undergraduate research, campus employment, study abroad or other experiential learning opportunities.
  • Participate in a Career Development Center Externship.
  • Join student organizations and pursue leadership opportunities.
  • Attend employer information sessions, networking events and career fairs.
  • Participate in Career Development Center workshops that build career readiness competencies.
  • Build relationships with faculty, supervisors, mentors and alumni who can support your career development.
  • Meet with a Career Counselor to identify experiences that align with your career goals.

Launch: Apply for opportunities and begin your career.

  • Search for internships, co-ops, full-time jobs and graduate school opportunities using ePACK, Career Shift, Interstride, LinkedIn and employer websites.
  • Use the Wolfpack Styled Professional Clothing Closet to select free professional attire for interviews, networking events and career fairs.
  • Apply strategically to opportunities that align with your goals.
  • Track applications, interviews and employer communications throughout your job search.
  • Evaluate offers and negotiate salary with Career Development Center support.
  • Continue expanding your professional network.
  • Meet with a Career Counselor for final job search guidance as you transition to your next opportunity.