Center for Career Development

Your Four-Year Career Plan

Freshman Year ›

• • Log in to your Handshake account and fill out your profile at https://www.tntech.edu/career/handshake.
  • Let us help you get started preparing your first college resume. Try our walk-in hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
  • Explore career interests with TypeFocus and Majors and Concentrations.
  • Attend one of our annual career fairs and numerous workshops as part of your career exploration.
  • Join at least one service or leadership organization.

Sophomore Year ›

• • Update your resume and upload it into our Handshake online resume and job database for referral to employers.
  • Update your Handshake account and begin applying for cooperative education and/or internship opportunities and attend all career fairs.
  • Obtain your GOLD Career Readiness Certification (Freshman-Sophomore) to increase workplace knowledge.
  • Improve your interviewing skills by using the Interviewing.com online software system.
  • Join a career-related or professional organization.

Junior Year ›

• • Participate in a cooperative education or internship program and gain experience in your major.
  • Network — attend career fairs, both on and off campus and pursue a leadership role in a campus organization.
  • Don't forget to start working toward your PURPLE Career Readiness Certification and upload your updated resume inside your Handshake account.
  • Considering graduate school? Begin researching programs of interest, admission requirements and testing deadlines. Attend Graduate and Professional School fair.

Senior Year ›

• • Finalize your resume in Handshake and practice your interviewing skills with Interviewing.com.
  • Begin applying for full-time jobs 8-10 months before graduation.
  • Participate in Career Development on-campus interview, as well as attend all career fairs and workshops.
  • If you haven't already, obtain your PURPLE Career Readiness Certification (Junior-Senior) to learn valuable transition skills.
  • Applying to graduate school? Get assistance with personal statements and resumes. Submit applications by required deadlines.