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West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences
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Pathway to Purpose

Your 4-year plan to build all NACE Career Readiness Competencies while developing personally, socially, academically, and professionally. By following this pathway to purpose, you will develop skills, engage in experiences, and build the confidence needed to successfully launch your career or pursue graduate/professional programs.

On this page

YEAR 1: EXPLORE

THEME: “Who am I, and what can I do?”

Career & Self-Development

  • Talk to faculty, family, staff, alumni, or professionals about 2–3 career pathways you’re thinking about.
  • Discuss with your advisor degree minors and GEF courses aligned with your interests and goals.

Communication

  • Write and send professional emails to advisors, faculty, or supervisors.
  • Attend instructors’ office hours and initiate conversations about coursework success strategies.

Critical Thinking

Comprehensive Objectivity

  • Engage with different perspectives by attending a guest speaker panel, career fair, or event with diverse professionals.
  • Explore global opportunities at the Education Abroad Fair.

Leadership

  • Explore campus involvement opportunities by attending the student org fair.
  • Join a student club (WVU Engage) or volunteer (iServe).

Professionalism

  • Demonstrate reliability by arriving on time to classes, advising meetings, and career readiness appointments.
  • Communicate respectfully via email if you are going to be late to class or any appointments.

Teamwork

  • Contribute actively and respectfully to group projects in class. Schedule a Success Coaching appointment to support your academic goals.

Technology

  • Familiarize yourself with eCampus, Navigate, DegreeWorks, and Microsoft Office (especially for resume, cover letter, and personal statement writing).
  • Follow @WVUCAHS on social media
  • Stay informed through the CAHS Student Success Bulletin.

YEAR 2: DEVELOP

THEME: “What skills can I build, and where can I take action?”

Career & Self-Development

  • Build your career portfolio in CAHS-300 (resume, cover letter, personal statement, LinkedIn, interviewing skills, personal branding, etc.).
  • Engage in experiential learning (internships, part-time jobs, research, shadowing or volunteer opportunities) to try out potential careers.

Communication

  • Complete at least 2 mock interviews in BigInterview or career readiness appointments.
  • Talk to your advisor about accelerated bachelors to masters (ABM) degree options.

Critical Thinking

  • Evaluate jobs, internships, and graduate/professional schools based on your experience, strengths, values, and career goals.
  • Use coursework and minors to strengthen your academic and career story.

Comprehensive Objectivity

  • Work with your advisor to plan for studying abroad!
  • Demonstrate respect for diverse views and cultural backgrounds.

Leadership

  • Take on active leadership roles in clubs, volunteer work, or projects.

Professionalism

  • Strengthen accountability by practicing professional communication, managing deadlines effectively, and taking responsibility for your commitments.

Teamwork

  • Engage in study groups/research projects or volunteer to work at an event.

Technology

  • Maintain and update your Handshake and LinkedIn profile (skills, experiences, summary) to apply for internships and build your network.

YEAR 3: ENGAGE

THEME: “What am I learning by doing?”

Career & Self-Development

  • Apply for internships, clinical experiences, research opportunities, or shadowing experiences.
  • Reflect intentionally on what you are learning and how it connects to your future goals.

Communication

  • Expand your professional network by connecting with at least 3 professionals (alumni, faculty, supervisors).
  • Build a relationship with a mentor to support your academic and career success.

Critical Thinking

  • Solve real-world challenges during internships, research, or employment.
  • Document problem-solving experiences and accomplishments on your resume.
  • Continue researching graduate/professional programs and entry-level job expectations.

Comprehensive Objectivity

  • Engage with community or affinity-based organizations through service or volunteering (e.g., iServe).

Leadership

  • Mentor or support peers where appropriate (lead study groups, become a peer mentor).

Professionalism

  • Develop a professional presence by meeting workplace expectations, demonstrating adaptability, and maintaining ethical conduct.

Teamwork

  • Collaborate effectively with colleagues during internships, research, volunteering, or employment experiences.

Technology

  • Audit and align your digital presence to support your professional brand.

YEAR 4: LAUNCH

THEME: “How am I going from student to professional?”

Career & Self-Development

  • Complete your major’s experiential learning requirement (CAHS 489, etc.).
  • Confirm graduation requirements with your advisor and then apply for graduation!

Communication

  • Network confidently with employers, faculty, staff, supervisors, and peers.
  • Identify professional references and request letters of recommendation a month in advance!

Critical Thinking

  • Apply early (6 months in advance) to entry-level jobs, graduate/professional programs, and then evaluate offers/acceptances thoughtfully.

Comprehensive Objectivity

  • Advocate for yourself and others professionally and respectfully.

Leadership

  • Ensure your application materials (resume, cover letter, personal statement) clearly demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and ownership of your experiences.

Professionalism

  • Follow through on applications and interviews by meeting deadlines and sending thank-you emails.

Teamwork

  • Confidently articulate your teamwork experiences and collaborative skills during interviews and networking conversations.

Technology

  • Complete the First Destination Survey in Handshake!

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