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Focus 2 Career 

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STUDENTS:

Create your account with your @Yellowjackets.bhsu.edu email! Access Code: jackets

Step-by-Step Instructions

BHSU FACULTY/STAFF:

Contact BHSU Career Development at Careers@BHSU.edu for access.

Students at BHSU who are in the exploration phase can declare an Exploratory Studies major in:

  • Arts & Humanities
  • Behavioral & Social Sciences
  • Business
  • Education
  • Natural Sciences & Math

STUDENT TO-DO LIST:

  • Talk with your academic advisor! Depending on the major(s) you are considering, you may need to complete time-sensitive matters related to coursework in your major, further education, certifications, etc.  Find out what these deadlines are and plan ahead.
  • Map out the courses you will take (and in what sequence) during your years at college in your preferred major. Be sure to include prerequisite courses as well. Include approximate dates and the support services you will utilize at your college to help you with your course plan and address any academic needs.
  • Peruse BHSU's list of 125 majors, minors, certificates, and programs of study - BHSU Programs and Majors
  • Visit O*net Online for detailed descriptions of almost any job you can think of, as well as salary & job outlook data. BLS.gov is also a great resource!
  • Meet with the professors who teach courses in your preferred major to learn about career and internship opportunities. Seek their expert advice to learn how to succeed in your major and desired career field.
  • Talk with students majoring in the field of study you are considering to learn from their experiences.
  • Read the biographies of the professors who teach courses in the major field of study that is of interest to you. 
  • Find out about job shadowing, internships, externships, and informational interviewing opportunities in a field of interest to you. Take note of the opportunities available and important dates.
  • Conduct informational interviews with local employers to learn about their field of work. What positions exist in their company? What credentials do they seek in a candidate being considered for employment?
  • Attend career fairs, industry panels, and company information sessions.
  • Learn how to market yourself. Review your FOCUS 2 CAREER Portfolio assessment results. What are your strengths? Be able to describe your work interests, personality, skills, and values and discuss why your attributes will be an asset to a potential employer.
  • Learn about employers in a career field that is of interest to you.
  • Talk with people employed in occupations/career fields that interest you. Find out what they studied in college and what experiences gave them a competitive edge in the world of work.
  • Volunteer or take a part-time job to gain experience in a career area of interest to you.
  • Is additional training or graduate school a part of your long-term education plans? If so, what are your plans? Seek the advice of a professional/graduate school advisor to review your plans.

STUDENT RESOURCE:

Understanding Your Results Workbook

Contact Info

Careers@BHSU.edu
BHSU E. Y. Berry Library Room #171 Map
Phone: 605.642.6269

Career Development
Black Hills State University
1200 University St. Unit 9672
Spearfish, SD, USA 57799-9672