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A Plan of Action

Each year of a student's career at UCSB will be marked by challenges and opportunities as self-knowledge increases and choices are made about the future. The keys to success are planning ahead, using time well, taking advantage of campus and community resources, and being pro-active. Students' experiences are all different, but the following "plan of action" should help them make their way toward being the people they would like to be in four years.

FRESHMEN (Exploring)	SOPHOMORE (Defining)
Academics: Explore the University Read the General Catalog See an academic advisor Meet many professors Attend CLAS workshops on: study skills, test taking, time management Explore General Education Program Requirements Enroll in Freshman Seminars Enroll in the Freshman Experience Course, INT 20 Explore honors programs	Academics: Gain Specific Information Seek academic advice from TAs, professors, and peers Take professors to lunch to talk Establish a personal GPA goal Choose a major See a pre-professional or health science advisor Develop a tentative academic plan Choose electives Talk with people in your major Explore the Education Abroad Program (EAP) Explore summer school
Personal: Self-Understanding Develop a support group of friends Take a personality test Do values clarification exercises Explore individual counseling Identify major fears of college life Redefine relationship with family	Personal: Explore New Roles Learn about cultural diversity through MultiCultural Center events, Culture and Awareness Weeks Join a counseling growth group Find a mentor who can offer support
Social: Initiate Relationships Join Residence Halls Association Visit the Office of Student Life (OSL) and join an activity, club, or organization Get involved in your community Make summer travel plans Nurture hobbies Develop a peer group Seek out volunteer opportunities at Community Affairs Board	Social: Increase Involvement Work on a project for the club/ organization of your choice Volunteer on student committees Volunteer in the community Join Intramural teams Attend university-wide events, hosted by Arts & Lectures, MultiCultural Center, etc.
Career: Explore Career Areas Attend a Choosing a Major workshop Go to career.ucsb.edu and register for GauchoLink, UCSB's database for jobs and internships Do career testing by trying out jobs through volunteering Identify the following: ` past accomplishments skills & abilities career related hobbies personality style career values	Career: Collect More Information Read about careers in the library and online Talk with professionals in several careers Make short-term goals Look for a summer internship Volunteer to "shadow" a professional Spend a day on the job Talk with career advisors Explore career binders Attend career workshops or summer jobs

JUNIOR (Researching)	SENIOR (Implementing)
Academics: Make Initial Choices Take mock GRE/ MCAT or LSAT exams Focus on major courses Relate academics to future life plans Attend seminars/lectures which relate to major Attend relevant conferences Request a junior progress report from your college Develop an academic mentor Consider research opportunities Look into internships (e.g., Washington Center Program)	Academics: Long-Term Decisions Prepare grad school applications Apply for awards Present projects at scholarly meetings Do a senior project Develop an independent study Work on an academic project with a professor Become a tutor Explore life-long learning interests Request a senior progress check from Office of the Registrar Investigate senior honors program or seminars
Personal: Risk Personal Openness Seek out sources of support Help others with their problems Continue discussions with a mentor Test ideas through discussion groups Disagree with an authority	Personal: Make Commitments Prepare for your chosen lifestyle Attend stress workshops Talk about your first year out of school Make a list of your firm decisions Write down three life goals
Social: Exercise New Skills Start a small business Run for an elected office/get involved in Associated Students Apply for Resident Assistant (RA) or peer advisor position Be a big brother/sister Volunteer through CAB	Social: Leadership Lead a group or club Supervise a few student projects Join a professional organization Tutor high school students Enroll in Ed 173 (Leadership) Join Toastmasters for presentation experience.
Career: Increase Experience Find internships that interest you Make tentative career decisions Attend Grad School Day at Counseling & Career Services Attend resume writing workshop Do information interviews Develop general awareness of career options in many areas Become familiar with work settings and job descriptions Talk with a career advisor Enroll in Ed 164 (Education and Vocational Guidance)	Career: First Career Choice Attend workshops on: job searches, interviewing, recruiting, mock interviews, resume writing, applying to grad school, etc. Establish life goals Develop a contact list Interview for jobs Develop a budget for job or grad school Check job listings Participate in on-campus interviewing

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