ÌÇÐÄVlog

Please note that sample four year plans are examples. Students, in consultation with their advisor, will discuss an individualized degree plan reflecting their academic preparation, interests and goals. Actual sequences will vary based on course availability, need for developmental coursework, and student preference. For complete information on degree requirements, reference the Undergraduate Course Catalog at .

Year One

*If taking ENGL 101: English Composition: Writing Skills, which is 4 credits, then a 1-credit Holistic Wellness Core course is recommended instead of a 3-credit Social & Behavioral Sciences Core course. This should put you at 15 credits.

Year Two

Year Three

*If you took ENGL 101, then you will need to add an additional credit. It is recommended that you add CMA 370 Student Media Practicum.

Year Four

Learning, Self-Exploration, and Academic Excellence

The Hood College Center for Career Development and Experiential Education is here to support you through your four-year educational journey. Whether you are headed toward additional educational pursuits after graduation or on to the exciting world of work, we recommend that you investigate all your opportunities through three distinct types of exploration. These include Cultivating knowledge of your major and occupations related to your studies, Engaging in activities that give you hands-on experience, and taking practical steps toward Preparing for life after college. Below are three tables that will help you understand these areas and associated activities. Want to know more? Meet with a counselor in the Career Center. Email careers@hood.edu to make an appointment.

Cultivate

Explore your major and related occupations

Year 1

• Explore the profession through the Hood College communication arts website. Explore the backgrounds of faculty and learn about course offerings.
• Visit the and the websites.
• Take the to learn more about additional areas of career interest.
• Meet with Career Center staff to begin developing a resume.

Year 2

• Make an appointment through to meet with a Career Counselor to update your resume and consider locations for an internship.
• Explore club and engagement opportunities through .

Year 3

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either related to your major or employment.
• Meet with Counselors in Career Services to identify potential internships; consider competitive national experiences.
• Find an internship to gain work experience and college credit (CMA 399).

Year 4

• Update your resume to include classes from the previous year and any experiences, either internship or employment.
• If you have not already completed, take CMA 399, or a second internship experience, to gain additional work experience and/or college credit.

Engage

Locally and Globally

Year 1

• Attend the Fall and Spring Community Engagement Fairs to learn more about not-for-profit agencies that provide low or no-cost services to those in need.

Year 2

• Participate in Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and creating a LinkedIn page.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in the communication arts fields.

Year 3

• Attend Chamber of Commerce industry related events. Speak with a Career Center counselor to learn more about these.
• Update your LinkedIn page to reflect new experiences and coursework.
• Shadow professionals or alumni who work your field of choice.
• Conduct informational interviews with Hood College alumni working in communication arts roles. (Work with a Career Center counselor to identify individuals).

Year 4

• Schedule an appointment to learn about job interviewing and to practice interview with one or more Counselors in the Career Center.
• Attend conferences of professional associations.
• Attend the Career Center’s Annual Night of Networking event to meet professionals.

Prepare

For Post-Graduation Success

Year 1

• If eligible for the Federal Work Study program, consult with a Career Counselor about opportunities relevant to your communications interests.

Year 2

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need interns.
• Regularly check the Handshake events page to see if there are employers of interest providing information sessions on campus.
• If considering part-time employment, work with the Career Center and consult faculty to learn about opportunities at companies in communication arts related functions.
• Consider taking an exploratory micro-internship in your field of interest.

Year 3

• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who may need interns.
• Attend Career Center workshops on interviewing for success and how to conduct a job search.
• Attend the Career Center’s Annual Night of Networking event to meet professionals.
• Select part-time jobs and internships in your field of interest.

Year 4

• Meet with a Career Counselor to make plans for how you will conduct your job search beginning in the semester prior to your graduation.
• Discuss graduate school options with faculty in your department and a Career Counselor in the Career Center.
• Attend the Spring Internship & Career Fair to meet directly with employers from a variety of industries who are recruiting for new hires.

• Utilize resources at the Library and Learning Commons
• Meet regularly with your academic advisor
• Work with tutors at the Writing Center
• Complete the FAFSA and apply for scholarships

Learn more about careers in communication arts:

• Public Relations/Advertising
• Common Career Paths
• Public relations
• Advertising
• Marketing
• Corporate public affairs
• Investor relations
• Development
• Event coordination
• Media analysis/planning
• Creative directing
• Writing/Editing
• Audience analysis
• Public opinion research
• Employers
• Private corporations
• Public relations firms
• Advertising agencies
• Radio and television companies
• Public opinion research firms
• Sports and entertainment organizations
• Hospitality and tourism industry
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Labor unions
• Educational institutions
• Consulting firms
• Freelance

Explore more career opportunities in communication arts: