Center on Disabilities

WorkAbility IV Program

• Welcome to WorkAbility IV
• Eligibility & Benefits
• Enhancing Your Degree
• Resume Services
• Internship Program

Resources

• Employer
• Job

Enhancing Your Degree

Steps to take while still at college towards post-college employment

Freshman Year

1. Explore your interests and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses. For example, do you like to write, or would you rather do math?
2. Introduce yourself and connect with professors, advisors, and mentors. Be open to their suggestions and comments.
3. Check in with your Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor according to your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Sophomore Year

1. Continue exploring various careers that are of interest to you.
2. If possible, take introductory courses in your major, and choose General Education (GE) and (WRAP)other possible courses with the guidance of an academic advisor.
3. Continue to be involved in student organizations.
4. Do volunteer work to develop new skills and interests.
5. Pursue a summer job and/or research internship in your field of interest.
6. Begin developing a job search strategy; write or update your resume.
7. Check in with your Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor according to your IndiVIdualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Junior Year

1. Begin taking courses in your major.
2. Select elective courses that will broaden your academic foundation, help you develop new skills, and expand your job opportunities.
3. Join campus community organizations to develop your leadership, teamwork and public speaking skills.
4. Use career, employment, and Internet resources in The Career Center.
5. Attend job fairs, workshops on resume writing, interview skills, job search strategies, and other special programs.
6. Update or prepare a resume.
7. Actively seek an internship, part-time or summer job in the field that interests you.
8. Check in with your Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor according to your IndiVIdualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

Senior Year

1. Strengthen presentation skills by taking workshops or classes in areas such as public speaking.
2. Make time to do a proper job search; don't panic and just “settle.”
3. Request letters of recommendation from professors, employers, mentors and counselors.
4. Network with employers during career events, speakers from your clubs, alumni in your prospective field, and people whom your professors (WRAP) recommend.
5. Develop an ongoing network of career contacts, including faculty, students, alumni, mentors, adVIsors, and professional contacts.
6. Use career, employment and Internet resources in The Career Center to learn about companies, industries, and compensation.
7. Attend workshops.
8. Schedule a mock interVIew to learn the art of interviewing.
9. Apply for positions, and interVIew with employers.
10. Attend job fairs, trade shows, conferences, and events.
11. Check in with your Department of Vocational Rehabilitation counselor according to your IndiVIdualized Plan for Employment (IPE).