Graduation is coming! Are you ready?
With most students graduating every 5 weeks, graduation is always around the corner. Are you ready to launch your career? Use this timeline/checklist to reflect on your progress, track your tasks, and make sure you’ve used all the resources your Career Services Advisor/Director offers.
6 Months Before Graduation
Focus: Direction & Foundation
Goal: Establish clarity, tools, and advising support.
Career Pathway:
☐ Sign the Career Services Agreement (Check your Student Portal)
☐ Submit your Application for Graduation (Check your Student Portal)
☐ Develop or update your primary resume
☐ Clarify your target industry, target employers, job titles, preferred locations, and salary expectations
☐ Optimize your LinkedIn profile
☐ Research opportunities to gain experience in your field (internships, practicums, research, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or projects)
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Research graduate programs of interest and note application requirements and deadlines
Once completed, make an appointment with your Career Services Advisor/Director to discuss your progress.
5 Months Before Graduation
Focus: Visibility & Readiness
Goal: Strengthen professional presence and early engagement.
Career Pathway:
☐ Finalize your primary resume and begin to create a tailored, industry specific resume based on your career pathway
☐ Complete a resume review with your Career Services Advisor/Director
☐ Draft adaptable cover letter templates
☐ Complete a cover letter review with your Career Services Advisor/Director
☐ Develop and practice a 30–60 second elevator pitch
☐ Connect with 5–10 professionals or alumni in your field
☐ Review your online presence and digital footprint
☐ Attend at least one networking event or employer presentation
☐ Apply for or secure hands-on experience opportunities (internships, projects, volunteer roles, research)
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Begin preparing graduate school application materials (personal statement, statement of purpose, transcripts, letters of recommendation)
Once completed, make an appointment with your Career Services Advisor/Director to discuss your progress.
4 Months Before Graduation
Focus: Skill Practice & Networking
Goal: Build confidence and expand connections.
Career Pathway:
☐ Complete a mock interview with Career Services
☐ Practice interview responses using the STAR method
☐ Conduct 1–2 informational interviews
☐ Narrow priority employers and roles
☐ Secure 3–5 professional references
☐ Attend a career fair or industry-specific event
☐ Engage in field-related experiences and document skills gained
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Request letters of recommendation for graduate school
Once completed, make an appointment with your Career Services Advisor/Director to discuss your progress.
3 Months Before Graduation
Focus: Active Job Search & Grad School Prep
Goal: Begin consistent, strategic applications.
Career Pathway:
☐ Apply to positions weekly (as appropriate for your field)
☐ Tailor resumes and cover letters for each role
☐ Track applications, interviews, and follow-ups
☐ Continue informational interviews and networking outreach
☐ Reflect on field experience and integrate accomplishments into resumes, LinkedIn, and interviews
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Draft and revise graduate school essays and personal statements
☐ Prepare for any required graduate school exams (GRE, MAT, MCAT, etc.)
Once completed, make an appointment with your Career Services Advisor/Director to discuss your progress.
2 Months Before Graduation
Focus: Interviewing & Licensure Awareness
Goal: Balance interviews with exam preparation planning (if applicable).
Career Pathway:
☐ Actively interview for roles
☐ Continue to practice interview questions
☐ Confirm references are prepared to speak on your behalf
☐ Test interview technology and confirm professional attire
☐ Research licensure, boards, or certification requirements for your field (if applicable)
☐ Create a study timeline for boards/certifications (if applicable)
☐ Highlight and discuss field experience in interviews
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Create a study timeline for exams (if applicable)
☐ Finalize graduate school application materials and ensure all letters of recommendation are submitted
Once completed, make an appointment with your Career Services Advisor/Director to discuss your progress.
1 Month Before Graduation
Focus: Transition & Exam Preparation
Goal: Prepare for post-graduation demands.
Career Pathway:
☐ Continue applications and interviews as appropriate
☐ Practice salary negotiation and offer evaluation conversations
☐ Confirm exam registration dates, fees, and materials (if applicable)
☐ Communicate anticipated licensure timelines with potential employers (if applicable)
☐ Update resumes and applications to reflect field experience
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Submit graduate school applications and track confirmation of receipt
Once completed, make an appointment with your Career Services Advisor/Director to discuss your progress.
0 Months before Graduation – Congratulations, You Made It!!!
Focus: Focused Follow-Through
Goal: Maintain accountability while prioritizing boards/certifications or transitioning fully into career or graduate school.
Career Pathway:
☐ Complete and submit your Employment Status Form
☐ Update resume and LinkedIn with graduation completion
☐ Continue light job search activity
☐ Dedicate structured time to studying for boards, licensure, or certifications (if applicable)
☐ Sit for required boards, licensure, or certification exams
☐ Update resume and LinkedIn with exam completion, credentials, or graduate program acceptances
☐ Follow up with employers regarding availability and licensure status
☐ Join the South University Alumni Association
☐ Consider submitting an Alumni Success Story
☐ Notify Career Services of job search status, employment status, pending licensure, or pending graduate school
Graduate School Pathway:
☐ Prepare for graduate school interviews or orientation