Academic planning means knowing self-abilities, interests and monitoring progress towards the goals. To do this effectively, a student must understand his/her curriculum, graduation requirements, and academic policies. While a student may find some basic information in the website, they should work closely with their faculty advisor to structure their own plan.
Academic
planning means knowing self-abilities, interests and monitoring progress
towards the goals. To do this
effectively, a student must understand his/her curriculum, graduation
requirements, and academic policies.
While a student may find some basic information in the website, they
should work closely with their faculty advisor to structure their own plan.
To earn a Bachelor's degree, a student
must complete a minimum of 120-190 semester hours of academic work, subject to
the discipline/major, these credit hours may not include prerequisite courses.
Each university has its own individual requirements. Electives are courses that count neither
towards general education nor major requirements.
Why need an Academic plan?
Most students do not have any vision. They do not know, where will they be
in the next 1…5….10 years?? The academic plan will help the student:
v
Establish
a goals
v
Increase
success
v
Find direction
v
Select the right path
v
Save
time
v Graduation!
Academic
Ranks
Before entering any higher education students should have an idea about Academic Ranks, so they can behave accordingly.
Instructor
Assistant
Professor
Associate Professor Chairman/Center Director
Professor Dean
When should begin plan?
Good planning will take someone where ever
they want to be. It is never too late to start an academic plan. To reach
Academic goals, an Academic plan will help Find a direction for Select the
right path. Student must VISIONING- Where will he or she be in the next 1…5….10
years? While working on academic planning, a student needs to think that what
does University prepares him/her for? A higher educational institute prepares a
Researcher a career and job-oriented person. Keep in mind; a College/University
education without marketable skills prepares students for only the
lowest-paying jobs.
Good academic planning means knowing
self-abilities and interests and monitoring progress towards the goals. To do this effectively, a student must
understand his/her curriculum, graduation requirements, and academic policies.
A student may find some basic information on the website; they should work
closely with their faculty advisor to structure their own plan. To earn a
Bachelor's degree, a student must complete a minimum of 120-190 semester hours
of academic work, subject to the discipline/major. Each university has its own
individual requirements.
Recent years have seen dramatic changes in
the education sector. A university is supposed to be the “home” (“universe”) of
everyone (with diverse interests and potentials) for dwelling and growing
academically. This program should help fulfill the intellectual actualization
need of the “all-rounder” who is interested to play crucial roles (for
socio-economic progress) with wisdom and responsiveness. Such positions are
involved in making effective decisions for efficient usage of resources by
minimizing wastes due to unnecessary overlapping and redundancies. Students
come to universities at a critical stage of their development—a time during
which they define themselves in relation to others and experiment with
different social roles before making permanent commitments to occupations,
social groups, and intimate personal relationships. In addition, for many
students college is the first sustained exposure to an environment other than
their home communities. Higher education is especially influential when its
social milieu is different from the environment from which the students come
and when it is diverse and complex enough to encourage intellectual
experimentation. Students learn more and think in deeper, more complex ways in
a diverse educational environment. However, to develop new capabilities that
are different from the current knowledge base, a short-term course will not
provide the depth and span of knowledge and learning retention that is
needed. The difficulty goes up
exponentially as additional, interdependent knowledge areas are added to the
new learning mix.
Academic Planning Steps
Before taking any plan, students also need to
know what kind of degree he or she will achieve, when they admit to their
desire institution another word, What
does University prepare you for? A Universities job are to Research, create new
Career and work. Keep in mind, a College/University education without
marketable skills prepares you for only the lowest-paying jobs.
Types of degree
offers from the institution are
Diploma in business or in technology
Pass courses for bachelor degree
Honors courses for bachelor degree (for
selective students)
Choosing the desire institution
must check:
Course Catalog for course, degree
requirements, all required and related information
Admission status
Class Schedule
Grading
Awarding of Financial Aid
Billing
Transcripts
Transfer Credits
Find the University equivalents to your
current and completed courses using the Transfer Credit Center.
Collect the degree requirements and academic
plans for your intended University major.
Identify your remaining general education,
CORE and major requirements.
Review the academic plans and undergraduate
catalog for course sequences and prerequisites.
Create an academic plan that outlines your
remaining courses in a semester-by-semester format.
Check the academic plan for review.
The academic career pathway begins in the first year and continues throughout the semesters leading up to graduation day. For some, that path is relatively straight and smooth, for others, it can be filled with twists, turns, and even a few rough patches.
Throughout students In University/College careers, they will make many choices related to academic
pursuits. A student is not sure of their major or career path at the beginning
of their academic journey.
Choice of
Major—Consider Your Options
To help you weigh
options for your choice of major at your University, ask yourself these
questions about each academic department or field you are considering:
The Level of the area to study:
Will you enjoy this major for its
own intrinsic value?
Level of challenge
• Do you think you can
perform well in this field?
• Is your motivation
strong enough to enable you to succeed in this major?
• Are you choosing this
major because it is easy? Because it is hard?
Department
characteristics
• How big is the
department?
• How do you relate to
other students in this major?
• Are the faculty
accessible? Do you seek them out for informal discussions and other
interactions?
• Are there activities
in the department that bring students together? Are there activities that bring
students and faculty together?
Courses within your
major
• Will this major help
you acquire prerequisites needed for graduate studies you may be considering?
• How many credits does
this major require to complete a degree? Do you wish to focus largely on one
department, or do you want the flexibility to study in other departments as well?
Global experience: How
much does the department facilitate or encourage or accommodate study abroad,
research abroad, work abroad?
Internship programs: Are
there opportunities for you to get experience in your major that will help
prepare you for your potential career?
Skills: Consider what kinds of skills
will you develop in this major?
Family, peers, outside influences
How are outside pressures from family, peers, and the job market
influencing your decision?
There are some
other resources to consult regarding the choice of major such as public libraries and the Internet.
Study Abroad Opportunities & Planning
Study Abroad
It
is never too early to start thinking about the study abroad experience and start
planning for it. Be strategic in thinking about the study abroad possibilities
that might benefit you. If the students already have developed an interest in a
particular culture or region of the world at freshman year, He/she may wish to
start learning the foreign language most commonly used in that culture or
region, especially English. The student also might want to explore the
international locations of exciting developments in the academic/research
fields that interest them. If a student starts to think about study abroad in
sophomore or junior year, he/she should still be able to find a study abroad
program to fit interests and goals. Also need to know about collaborations
program with overseas universities, this way if a student does not want to stay
all year long they may take classes or few semesters only depends on the
agreement with the university.
Graduate Admission Advising
A student may be considering earning an advanced degree for several
reasons, including the opportunity to gain knowledge in a particular field of
interest, an interest in expanding career opportunities and increasing earning
potential, or postponing a job search until economic conditions improve.
Top Ten Criteria to select a Graduate Program
• Matching your career interests/goals with the program
• Quality of the program Department and faculty strength and reputation
in the profession
• Program costs
• Internship or field-work opportunities
• Quality of research facilities, laboratories, and libraries
• Financial Aid resources
• What recent alumni are doing in the field now
• See their website for up-to-date information on the subject.
Considering & Exploring a Professional
Career:
Individuals interested in health-related careers, Engineering, law, or
business careers should consider the following:
• What is your motivation for entering this career?
• How can you explore this career during your time at University?
• What are your core interests and skills and how do they align with
this career?
Purpose of Graduate
Study
The primary purposes of research-oriented, thesis-based Master’s programs (e.g., MA & MSc) are:
• To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a
particular academic field
• To learn how to conduct research in that field
• To begin affiliating with the academic community of the field
• To understand thoroughly and think critically about what is known in a
particular professional field
• To master skills (including research) that are necessary for advanced
practice in a particular professional field
• To enhance affiliation with the professional community of the field
Seven
Skills Students Need for Future
Identify What Employers Want
Potential Employers Always Look for Evidence of Your Accomplishments and
Experiences. They like to know, where you hold any leadership position. Were You
Active in Campus Organizations or Extracurricular Activities? Do You Have
Relevant Experiences, Internships, or Part-time Work? Have you Made Good Grades? More
You Have of These Experiences, The Better.
List of
Career Areas and Occupations
Circle any of the career areas and occupations you’d like
to explore. This is not a comprehensive list—it is a place to start.
Arts / Media / Communications
Entertainment
Radio Broadcasting Technical Writing Fine Art
Television Broadcasting Museums Photography
Journalism
Editing / Writing
Book Publishing
Magazine Publishing
Business
Marketing
Advertising
Public Relations Management Consulting Fashion Industry
Business Development
Finance
Four-Year
Academic and Career Plan
The academic
career pathway begins in the first year and continues throughout the semesters
leading up to graduation day. For some, that path is relatively straight and
smooth, for others, it can be filled with twists, turns, and even a few rough
patches. Regardless of how students' Seminole journey develops, advisors from
the University Career Center should offer assistance.
Students' success
depends on receiving the right information and support along the way. Each
phase of academic and career development presents its own areas of focus from
selecting a major at the beginning of your academic career, to landing a great
position upon graduation.
The Career guide
has been written with the different phases of a student's career and academic
progress in mind. It is divided into four sections that represent each academic
year. Within each segment is a list of specific steps students can take to stay
on track with his/her progress at University. It is presented in a checklist
format, so students can work through the steps that correspond with the
academic level. Many of the items require the participation of career or
academic advisors, who are available to help at any point along the way.
4-year Academic Planning worksheet
|
Freshman Years:
Academic Planning Table |
Sophomore
Years: Academic Planning Table | ||||||||||||
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Area |
Spring |
Credit |
Summer |
Credit |
Fall |
Credit |
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Spring |
Credit |
Summer |
Credit |
Fall |
Credit |
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Acceptance
Criteria or Prerequisite |
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Acceptance
Criteria or Prerequisite |
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General
Education (GEd) |
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General
Education (GEd) |
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General
Education (GEd) |
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Minor/Elective |
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Total
Credits |
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Freshman & Sophomore Years: Career
Exploration & Extracurricular Planning Table
|
1st
Year Spring |
1st
Year Summer |
1st
Year Fall |
2nd
Year Spring |
2nd
Year Summer |
2nd
Year Fall |
|
Record about your Academic
& Career
exploration |
Find tutoring
for your courses |
Join
campus club |
Review and
update your
list of strengths |
Assess your computer
skills |
Know when to
apply to your major |
|
Start a list of
your skills and
strengths |
appointment with academic advisor |
Discuss updated plan
with advisor |
Continue dialog
with academic advisor |
Attend
Job Fairs, |
Continue dialog
with advisor |
|
search What
skills will you need for the 21st Century? |
Attend Learning
Workshop |
Attend Job Fair, Look for
campus job |
learn how to
build resume, cover letter, research
companies |
Talk to an
Alumni Mentor |
Practice public speaking |
|
Talk to
professionals in fields that
you find interesting |
Volunteer on campus or in
your community |
Take courses to prepare you for Undergrad
research |
Have you
completed requirements for your intended major? |
Do a practice interview with Career
Services |
|
|
Review
Catalog for majors & minors |
Review your academic
plan |
Take Career
Planning course |
Evaluate your academic
plan |
Take part in
group projects |
Evaluate your academic
plan |
Junior & Senior Years: Academic
Planning Table
|
Junior Year: Academic Planning Table |
Senior Year: Academic Planning Table | ||||||||||||
|
Area |
Spring |
Credit |
Summer |
Credit |
Fall |
Credit |
|
Spring |
Credit |
Summer |
Credit |
Fall |
Credit |
|
Acceptance Criteria or
Prerequisite |
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Acceptance Criteria or
Prerequisite |
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General Education
(GEd) |
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General Education
(GEd) |
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General Education
(GEd) |
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Minor/Elective |
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Total Credits |
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Junior
& Senior Years: Career Exploration & Extracurricular Planning Table
|
3rd Year Spring |
3rd Year Summer |
3rd Year Fall |
4th Year Spring |
4th Year Summer |
4th Year Fall |
|
Who is on your Career Network List? |
Become
a tutor |
Update and review your skill & interests |
Internship |
Make preparations for
graduate school |
Apply
for Graduation |
|
Continue dialog
with academic advisor |
Find articles on
Hot Topics or New Trends
in your field |
Internship |
Evaluate your academic
plan |
|
Enter
competition, for
your field |
|
|
Work with faculty
on undergrad
research project |
Look
at current job openings
to assess skills
& backgrounds required |
|
Prepare for the world
of work |
Prepare for the world
of work |
|
Schedule informational interviews with people in areas
of interest |
Schedule Practice Interview |
Take leadership roles in clubs, organizations |
Schedule informational interviews with people in areas
of interest |
|
Attend Financial Planning
workshop |
Career Development Timelines
For tips on how to manage professional development at each stage of a degree program, use the timeline below.
Freshmen: Do You Have the
Time?
The first year of higher education is an exciting transition. The career clock focus of the first year is on exploring and selecting the major. Choosing a major involves several steps that include getting to know yourself, understanding self-interests and abilities, and narrowing a list of possible major choices. Academic advising and career planning offer personalized attention that will help with this major decision.
Academic
Planning
Make an
initial selection of majors. For more information about majors visit your
academic institution. To declare or change your major, contact the department
for Advising.
If having
any difficulty selecting a major meet with an academic advisor to discuss the options,
including the Exploratory major at the University.
If
already selected a major, be sure to make an appointment to meet with an
academic advisor in the area of study.
with the
help of an academic advisor, select General Education Studies and introductory
courses that meet university requirements and allow you to explore majors of
interest. Pay special attention to complete English and Math requirements.
Be sure to review academic reports,
Academic maps, and related Milestone courses with an advisor to make self-aware of
progress toward meeting all major and university requirements for graduation.
Career
Planning
- Visit the
Career Center and ask for help in finding resources on various majors and/or
occupations.
- Identify
personal interests, needs, and skills. Go to career Review and self-assessment
activities.
- Begin
self-directed exploration of specific occupations in which have an interest and
how these relate to majors.
- Visit
faculty and departments for majors of interest.
- Create Online Career Portfolio and begin building a portfolio.
Extracurricular Involvement
Get involved in student activities, student organizations, or public
service projects. Explore social and academic clubs that interest you. Join at
least one extracurricular activity.
Action
Steps
…………………………………………..…………………………………………..
…………………………………………..…………………………………………..
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Sophomores:
In sophomore year, students
will have a better understanding of their major choice. To stay on track with the career clock, it is important to be actively involved in academic planning and
career development. This is the time to begin researching and testing the
exciting possibilities that await students upon graduation.
Academic Planning
- Meet with an academic advisor to review the academic
report and Academic Map to plan the completion of GED and prerequisite
requirements for the desired major.
- Complete all math and writing requirements.
- by the time complete 60 credit hours or
check with an academic advisor for major to see qualify for an exemption.
- Talk with an academic advisor to find out if
need to complete a special application for the desired major. Make yourself aware of any
deadlines and specific requirements that may be needed for your intended major.
- If still undecided about your major, continue to
seek academic advisement. Advisors
who are
specialized to work with exploratory students. In addition, make an appointment
to visit advisors in the desired major.
Career
Planning
- Visit the Career Center. Ask a
career advisor about resources to help and clarify self skills, interests, and
values.
- Enroll in GD 1010, Career Planning
& Development.
- Talk with a career advisor about
how to make contacts with professionals in an area of interest and how to
conduct an information interview. Check out the Professional Network, find
professionals in the desired area of interest.
- Check out volunteer options through
the Center for Leadership and Civic Education.
- Find part-time jobs through Student Employment.
- Update self on-line Career
Portfolio.
- Review sample resumes and cover
letters in the Career Center library or have an existing resumes and cover letters
critiqued by a career advisor.
Extracurricular Involvement
Attend meetings of student professional
organizations. Get involved! This will help you gain skills including teamwork
and public speaking.
Act on your interests. Take an active role
in an extracurricular activity and explore new ones. Consider assuming a
leadership role in your dorm, campus organization, or on a class project.
Volunteer.
Action Steps
…………………………………………..…………………………………………..
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Juniors:
Junior year is the year to sharpen students' focus and build self credentials.
Networking with possible employers, gaining experience in the desire field, and
delving into major coursework are all important parts of this year’s career
clock. With the help of academic and career advisors, consider developing a
graduate/professional school or employment plan and set achievable goals that
will lead to success.
Academic Planning
- Meet with an academic advisor to review the academic report and Academic Map to confirm an
appropriate plan to complete all requirements necessary for major and for
graduation.
- Apply for graduation (when reaching 90 credit
hours) These requests should be made two terms prior to your planned graduation
date.
- Begin completing courses for your major, as well
as courses for your minor (if appropriate).
- Speak with faculty about specializations and
current trends in the areas of interest.
- Join and be active in a student organization
affiliated with an academic department.
Career
Planning
- Visit the Career Center and review information resources to identify career fields.
- Get involved in a professional organization related
to your career field. Inexpensive student memberships are often available. Ask a
professor for recommendations or visit the Career Center to identify an
appropriate organization.
- Make contacts with professionals in an area of
interest. Expand your information network. Check out the Professional Network
to find professionals in your area of interest.
- Enroll in GD 1010, Career Planning & Development.
- Explore the possibility of an internship or
cooperative education experience related to your major or career field or talk with
a career advisor for assistance.
- Find a part-time job that may help and gain work
experience.
- Sign-up for a Mock Interview to practice your
interviewing skills.
- Check out volunteer opportunities at the Center.
- Update on-line Career Portfolio.
Action Steps
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Seniors:
If you have followed all the career
clock steps leading up to your senior year, then it is time to land a great job
or pursue your dreams! For late starters, there is still time to gain work and
volunteer experience, network with employers, and perfect interviewing and
resume writing skills. You are now ready to apply all you’ve learned and take
the world by storm!
Academic Planning
- If you have not done so already, initiate a
major/minor check with the respective Dean’s office within your major and a
graduation check with the Registrar’s Office.
- Meet with your academic advisor to make sure that
you are on course to complete all university and major requirements for
graduation.
- Explore opportunities for DIS (Directed
Individual Study), co-op, internship, or volunteer experiences
in your
field.
- Complete applications for graduate or
professional studies early! Take any required tests needed.
- Apply for graduation by the tenth day of
classes within the term you wish to graduate.
Career
Planning
- Revise your resume and have it critiqued by
a Career Advisor
- Visit the Career Center and talk with a
career advisor to plan your job or grad school search
- Attend workshops in the Career Center on
“Job Search Strategies,” “Resume Writing,” “Interview
Preparation,”
etc. See career.fsu.edu for the Calendar of Events.
- Investigate and research potential employers
at the Career Center.
- Seek employment at various career
expositions. Talk to a career advisor about other job search
strategies.
- Sign up for a Mock Interview to practice
your interviewing skills.
- Update your online Career Portfolio and refer potential employers to visit your portfolio.
A Good
PLANNING! Will take you, Where You Want
to Be at the End of Senior Year?
1.
Post-Graduation Job & Volunteer Programs
2. Using Graduation Project/Internship with a career development focus
3. Be self-motivated
Action Steps
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