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Connections Among Classmates
- Classmates from the current cohort will become future coworkers and referrals for job opportunities.
- Building relationships early on is crucial for expanding one’s professional network.

Timeline for Updates
- 6-12 Months Out: Begin building and updating resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Aim to update resume approximately 6 months before desired job start date.
Resume Statistics
- Approximately 50% of the audience has a resume and fewer have a LinkedIn profile.
Importance of LinkedIn
- Majority of recruiters now source candidates through LinkedIn.
- An updated profile with skills, experience, and education enhances visibility and attracts recruiters.

4-6 Months Out:
- Start applying for jobs and following up with companies if interviewed.
- Follow-up protocol to ask about job selection processes after interviews.

Mock Interviews
- Rehearsal interviews to practice interviewing skills.
- Helps reduce anxiety and improves performance during actual interviews.
- Engagement leads to higher confidence in delivering answers effectively.

1-2 Months Out:
- Begin preparing for interviews and evaluating job offers.
- Research expected salary ranges based on previously completed assessments.
Salary Expectations
- Use career assessments to understand potential earnings for entry-level positions.
Education and Continuous Learning
- Stay informed about the interview processes in targeted industries.
- Maintain and develop networking connections continuously.

Assessments for Career Path
- Focus Two Self-Assessment for identifying skills and career interests available through the SJSU Career Center.
- Reflect on skills assessments, interest assessments, and previous exercises such as the flower petal exercise.
Career Resource Guides
- The “What Can I Do With This Major?” guide provides insights into possible career paths based on one’s major.

Determining Work Environment
- Varied sectors to consider depend on preferences:
- Nonprofit Sector: Mission-driven, community outreach focus.
- Public Sector: Structured service focus.
- Healthcare: Fast-paced patient care and research.
- Education: Teaching and student support roles.
- Tech/Startups: Innovative and flexible work environments.
Job Titles Identification
- Entry-level positions need to be identified relevant to one’s qualifications, such as management training roles and job rotation programs.

Targeted Job Boards
- Use industry-specific job boards to enhance job search efficiency:
- Tech and Engineering: SJSU Handshake, LinkedIn, Dice, BuiltIn, GitHub Careers.
- Business and Finance: Handshake, LinkedIn, Indeed, E-Financial Careers.
- Creative and Design: CoroQuad, Dribbble.
- Nonprofit and Public Sector: Idealist, USA Jobs.
Market Research Tools
- Labor market insights tool provides industry data to assist job search.
- Use platforms such as Glassdoor for company reviews and salary insights.

Importance of Networking
- Networking continues to play a pivotal role in job search and opportunities:
- Referrals from known contacts increase chances of interviews and consideration.
Informational Interviews
- Engage industry professionals for discussions about their careers.
- Prepare questions and set expectations for the interview format.
- Topics to discuss include everyday tasks, challenges, and necessary skills in their fields.

Thank You Notes
- Send a thank-you message within 24 hours after an informational interview to maintain connection.
- Acknowledgement of their insights and guidance shows appreciation and fosters relationships.

Next Class Preparations
- Students are expected to:
- Produce their most recent resumes.
- Find potential job postings aligning with their career goals.
- Identify five job positions for discussion in class.
- Emphasis on relevance to personal career aspirations and entry-level eligibility.

Job Search Exercises
- Allocate time at the end of class for students to start identifying job positions.
- Encourage active use of discussed tools to secure opportunities aligned with personal career goals.