Second-Year Experience

Mission

The Second-Year Experience is committed to helping students excel, by providing a comprehensive educational experience that promotes both the academic and co-curricular success and engagement of all sophomore students.

Our Goals

The Second-Year Experience seeks to:

• Provide exposure for the exploration of academic majors and minors
• Create an outlet for students to engage in conversation with department chairs
• Provide monthly activities and events to promote campus engagement
• Familiarize students with the process of career research and engagement
• Arrange community engagement opportunities for students
• Afford students the opportunity to join Tau Sigma and Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Societies
• Assist with securing study abroad opportunities

The Second-Year Checklist

Jump-start the new school year by visiting with your Academic Success Counselor within UCaLL. This will help you identify all of your academic interests and study abroad opportunities.

More than three out of four respondents to a job outlook survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported that employers screen candidates by grade point average (GPA). Attend University College’s workshops and academic services to help you develop effective study skills that will improve your efficiency, time management and retention of information. 

There are simple things you can do to discover your passion. Complete a career inventory to identify the top occupations that coincide with your interests. Speak with or shadow professionals in the occupations you are considering. If you have any hesitancy about your goals, now is the time to seek assistance. Stop by the career center for additional information. 

Complete a mock job search to identify the qualifications you will need for your future career. Graduation will be here before you know it. You will not have time later to gain any additional experience that employers require. Browse the job listings on commercial job search engines to understand the qualifications of the future positions you aspire to hold. O*Net and the Occupational Outlook Handbook will help you identify essential knowledge, skills and abilities. Establish professional goals to ensure your ability to satisfy these requirements.

Starting now will help the shopping experience be more enjoyable and affordable.

Get a part-time job, summer employment or volunteer position that directly relates to your future career. This will couple your strong academic background with hands-on practical experience, while also permitting you to confirm your major and expand your network. Many employers also expect new hires to have experience.

Look for leadership opportunities in student organizations, service learning teams and residence life:

• • Sophomore Class and Class Council
  • Transfer Rams
  • Tau Sigma Honors Society
  • RAMSync

√ Do something to professionally stretch yourself

• • Present at a conference
    
    Write a blog post. Enroll in a difficult or challenging course. Complete a research project. Although these activities may initially be uncomfortable, the development they provide is beneficial.
  • Build your network
    
    Join a professional association in your field. Attend a conference or participate in a webinar. Create a profile on LinkedIn, the world’s largest virtual professional network. Connect with the recruiters at an organization that interests you on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or at regional job fairs. This will help you learn more about their work environment and opportunities. We also offer an alumni mentor program. Stop by the Second Year/Transfer Year Experience office located in Hill Hall Room 317.
  • Create a resume to document your activities
    
    As the end of your sophomore year approaches, reflect on the year, and note your accomplishments. Swing by Career Development Services for a personal critique of your resume and additional assistance with career planning.

Ramsition is a celebration of the wonderful progress that you have made in your academic life. Ramsition is also to encourage your continued pursuit of scholastic and professional achievement, and acknowledges your transition into the major of your choice. You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the department or school in your chosen field of study as you celebrate your transition into the next phase of your academic career.

Office of New Student Experiences and Undergraduate Engaged Learning| 336-750-2869 | damont@wssu.edu