Career & College Planning Guide

Welcome to your personal planning guide for career and college! Whether you’re exploring your options, building your resume or getting ready to launch into the job market or grad school, this guide is designed to grow with you.

Think of it as your evolving playbook – revisit it often to track your progress, refresh your goals, and reignite your confidence. Let’s get started!

DISCOVER: Own Your Story & Build Your Foundation

Set Your Career and Academic Intentions

Connect with your career and academic advisors to align your personal and professional goals.
Take self-discovery assessments like PathwayU or My Next Move (powered by O-NET).
Find a mentor – professor, staff or alum who inspires your growth.

Get Involved Early

Join clubs, volunteer, or work part-time to build work experience.
Strengthen your financial literacy through workshops covering FAFSA, scholarships, budgeting or salary negotiation.

Explore OC Industries

Use tools like PathwayU, O*NET On-Line and your school’s career portal to explore growth sectors in OC like tech, healthcare/biotech, manufacturing or professional/financial services.
Conduct informational interviews or attend industry talks to gain career insights.

Enhance Your Digital Career Presence

Create or refresh your LinkedIn and profiles on Handshake/PeopleGrove.
Power-up your resume and attend a resume workshop.
Visit career fairs and network with intent – ask questions, take notes, and follow-up.

Pro Tip: Revisit this guide at the start of every semester to refresh your action plan and stay on track.

EXPLORE: Experiment & Elevate

Craft Your Professional Identity

Highlight your growth: update your resume and tailor cover letters to tell your story for each role.
Enhance your LinkedIn presence with new skills, projects and a polished photo that represents you.

Turn Exploration into Experience

Land career-building opportunities: apply for internships, apprenticeships or part-time roles in OC’s top industries.
Tap into insider insights: join CLAOC mentoring programs and workforce events.
Lead and learn: take on leadership roles or research opportunities that make your resume pop.
Think bigger: explore study abroad or grad school paths and check out funding options.

Pro Tip: Lock in one experience this month—apply to an internship, join a project, or volunteer in your field. Every experience adds a new chapter to your career story.

EXPERIENCE: Build a Brand that is 100% You

Gain Experience That Defines You

Search CLAOC’s internship portal and your college’s job board.
Set alerts on LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed for openings.
Research companies that align with your values.

Practice Makes Professional

Do mock interviews with your career advisor to adjust strategies.
Volunteer, take on side projects, or mentor others to grow your skill set.

Career Planning

Meet regularly with your career advisor to adjust strategies.
Plan ahead for exams (GRE, LSAT, etc) if grad school is on your future.

Pro Tip: Keep a running list of every project, volunteer role, or internship you complete—those small wins make updating your resume and LinkedIn effortless.

LAUNCH: Step into Your Future

Polish and Apply

Customize your resume and cover letters for each opportunity.
Keep your LinkedIn up to date with awards, roles, projects and work experience.
Tap into CLAOC career mentors to learn about hiring trends and workplace culture.

Build Your Professional Network

Keep in touch with mentors and peers – they may help open doors.
Stay active in virtual or in-person networking.
Say yes to coaching sessions, and development opportunities.

Pro Tip: Revisit this guide at the start of every semester to refresh your action plan and stay on track.

CEO Leadership Alliance Orange County is here to champion YOU:

Your Next Step

Orange County is a thriving innovation hub. And you have a place in it. Let’s grow together.