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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.

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.
  • Attend a guest speaker panel, career fair, or event like the Education Abroad  Fair.

Communication

  • Send professional emails to advisors, faculty, or supervisors. 
  • Visit instructors’ office hours to talk about coursework success strategies.

Critical Thinking

Leadership

Professionalism

  • Arrive early to classes/advising appointments or communicate via email if you are going to be late.

Teamwork

  • Discuss with your advisor degree minors and GEF courses aligned with your career goals.
  • Schedule a Success Coaching appointment to work on your academic goals.

Technology

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

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).

Communication

  • Complete at least 2 mock interviews in BigInterview or career readiness appointments.

Critical Thinking

  • Reflect on how you can elevate your academic and career story through coursework and experiential learning. 

Leadership

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

Professionalism

  • Manage deadlines effectively and take responsibility for your commitments.

Teamwork

  • Talk to your advisor about accelerated bachelors to masters (ABM) degree options.

Technology

  • 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 to internships, research, clinical experiences, or job shadowing.
  • 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

  • Apply problem-solving skills in real-world settings and document accomplishments on resume.
  • Continue researching graduate/professional programs and entry-level job expectations.

Leadership

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

Professionalism

  • Demonstrate reliability, adaptability, ethical behavior, and meet workplace expectations.

Teamwork

  • Continue collaborating effectively with faculty, peers, success coaches, and academic/career advisors.

Technology

  • Audit 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 with employers, faculty, staff, supervisors, and peers during class, internships, and events.
  • 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.

Leadership

  • Ensure your application materials (resume, cover letter, personal statement) clearly demonstrate leadership initiative, responsibility, and achievements.

Professionalism

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

Teamwork

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

Technology

  • Complete the First Destination Survey in Handshake!

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