For your first meeting with a Career Services counselor, the following is important:

• Do you know what you want to do? While you don't have to know what you want to do to find your first opportunity, the more you know, the easier it will be. Try to be focused while keeping your options open.
• Where would you like to live? Sometimes where you want to live may be just as important as where you work or what you do. You can start by identifying 3-5 cities where you would like to live. Websites like www.findyourspot.com will help you discover locations that may be right for you. Remember, local Chambers of Commerce are great resources to discover cost of living, transportation, houseing and other critical factors. The Career Services Resource Library also has reference books to assist you in this category.
• Where do you want to work? You may already have organizations in mind in which you want to seek opportunities. Whether you know exactly where you want to try to get your foot in the door or you are still trying to identify target organizations. You are going to need to begin researching the industries and organizations.
• How do I identify opportunities? There are two primary sources of opportunities out there. There are opportunities that are published on websites (and in rare cases, in print resources) and those that are never made public. The vast majority of opportunities reside in the "unpublished" category. It is important that you perform a search using both networking and online resources. Career Services posts all of the known employment opportunities on theZone.
• I know where I want to apply. Now what? As you identify opportunities to which you would like to apply, you will need to develop a resume and cover letter that successfully market your skills and experience. You will also want to begin practicing your interviewing skills to ensure you are ready to seal the deal and lock in the job/internship offer. Equally important is managing the process of follow up with all the individuals you make contact with whether through networking, application to opportunities, or interviews. Career Services has resources, materials, alumni contacts, and staff to assist you in your journey.