Timeline for Your Senior Year

Employment preparation

Summer

  • Research career options and job search resources in print or online. Visit your local public library, the Career Center library, and our website at http://www.hiram.edu/career for materials.
  • Network with Hiram alums for career suggestions and job leads. Contact the Career Center for contacts from the Alumni Career Network.
  • Gain additional experience as needed to improve your qualifications by volunteering.
  • Develop a tentative job search goal and write a draft resume targeted towards that goal. See resume options or contact us to obtain samples.
  • If you have not registered with eRecruiting, our online resume and employment database, be sure to do so now. Upload your resume as soon as it is completed.

Fall

  • Schedule a senior interview in the Career Center to discuss plans and review your resume.
  • Read seniors@hiram regularly for announcements of coming events.
  • Become familiar with resources in the Career Center.
  • Learn to use online career planning and job search resources.
  • Take the course Student Development 611, Job Search Skills, to develop your career options.
  • Conduct information interviews with Hiram alums or other networking contacts to develop job leads.
  • Research organizations that interest you using Internet resources.
  • Interested in business? Some organizations such as accounting firms HIRE in the early fall. Ask the Career Center for contacts.
  • Attend FutureFest on Friday, September 8 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on the campus green - food, fun, and fortune telling!

Spring

  • Take Student Development 611, Job Search Skills, if you missed it in the fall.
  • Continue to research job leads and organizations to add to your contact list.
  • Continue to network with professionals who can assist you.
  • Use eRecruiting to locate job leads.
  • Apply promptly with a professional cover letter and resume.
  • Attend interview workshops and schedule a practice interview.
  • Select appropriate interview clothes for your profession.
  • Attend relevant Job Fairs!!!
  • Interview, interview, interview.
  • Write thank-you letters following interviews.
  • Accept a job!

Graduate school preparation

Summer

  • Talk with your advisor for suggestions of graduate programs to explore.
  • Research programs using the Peterson's Guides in the Career Center, your local public library, or our website at http://www.hiram.edu/career. Click on "Graduate/Professional School."
  • Network via e-mail with scholars in your area of interest. Read journals for names of faculty to contact. Request catalogs and brochures.
  • Visit graduate schools and talk with admission staff.
  • Prepare for and/or take the GRE, LSAT, and/or GMAT. Check the application deadlines of the schools that interest you. Generally, all tests are taken in early fall.
  • Talk to professionals familiar with your area of study for different perspectives on graduate programs.

Fall

  • Schedule a senior interview in the Career Center to discuss plans and gather more resources.
  • Read the newsletter seniors@hiram regularly for announcements of coming events, scholarships, and deadlines.
  • Request applications from graduate school departments and financial aid offices.
  • Take the GRE, LSAT, and/or GMAT (see NOTE below).
  • Submit applications for programs with early deadlines or very competitive programs.
  • Apply for relevant scholarships or fellowships.
  • Attend FutureFest on Friday, September 10 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on the campus green - food, fun, and fortune telling!

Spring

  • Submit graduate school applications and applications for financial aid by deadlines.
  • Visit schools to make final decisions.
  • Accept a graduate school admission offer!

GRE, GMAT, & LSAT testing

The GRE and GMAT tests for graduate school are given on computer only at Prometrix Testing Centers. Most graduate programs only require the GRE general test. Read admissions requirements for the programs that interest you to be sure you must take it.

The GRE subject test is usually required only for Ph.D. programs. It is offered only in the following disciplines: biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, chemistry, computer science, literature in English, mathematics, physics, and psychology on three test dates in the year. Most candidates take the test offered in the fall.

The GMAT is required only for M.B.A. programs. Check the website at www.mba.com/mba to make an appointment to take the test.

The LSAT is still given on paper at many nearby universities. Test dates for 2004-2005 are June 14, October 2, December 4, and February 12.

Information regarding these tests is available on our website. From the "Graduate/Professional School" link, choose "Test Registration and Preparation" for additional information. Registration booklets are available in the magazine rack outside of the Career Center office.