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Career Center, Santa Clara University

First-Year Guide

 

Strategies for Career Success in your First Year

 


Overview

We recommend visiting the Career Center early and often, because it's never too early to start thinking about your career goals. Follow the steps in this guide to build your confidence, increase your productivity, and achieve career success!


Step 1: The Basics


Step 2: Know Yourself

  • Complete a self-assessment on Focus2 — Log into Focus2 to complete a variety of career self-assessments.

    All incoming Class of 2028 students will be invited to complete the work interest assessment as part of New Student Orientation and Welcome Weekend.

    Platform access available beginning Winter 2024 to currently enrolled students
     
    • Work Interest Assessment
    • Values Assessment
    • Personality Assessment
    • Skills Assessment
    • Leisure Assessment
    • Academic Strengths Assessment
    • Career Readiness Assessment
    • Major and Career Exploration
  • Values Inventory - Learn how to identify current values and reflect on how they might influence your career decisions. Check out our video and leverage the following tools to capture what you currently value:
  • Share your results — We recommend sharing your assessment and values inventory results with your career coach, academic advisor and faculty advisor, all of whom can help you identify next steps based on your results.

Step 3: Discover the Possibilities


  • Jobs and Internships in Handshake Accepting Applications from First-Year Students

    Explore hundreds more opportunities at scu.joinhandshake.com.


Prepare for Your Sophomore Year

Have you completed all of the recommended steps for first-year students? Look ahead to sophomore year.

 

Job Prep Toolkit

Visit our Job Prep Toolkit for more resources and tools.