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As you begin your degree, consider allotting time for acquiring practical experience,
building a professional network, and for personal development as a complement to your studies.
Keep in mind that there are many others pursuing similar goals and
prepare yourself to meet the competition.
It is important to interact with students, faculty, and others in your field.
This lays the foundation for a professional network linking you to current ideas,
key issues, and valuable contacts in your field. Augusta State University offers
a wide variety of student organizations which offer such opportunities for interaction.
(If there is not an active club for your major, it takes only five
interested students to create or reactivate one through Student Activities.)
Check with the academic departments for professional organizations in your career field which
offer student memberships.
Practical experience in your field complements your academic coursework and
establishes an initial work history in your field.
There are a variety of avenues to take - volunteer work,
internships, part-time jobs, co-op, student activities.
Many campus organizations, such as the campus newspaper or
student programming board, offer tangible experiences in management,
writing, editing, advertising, promotion, graphic design,
contract negotiations, and more. Check with Student Activities for
ways to enhance your skills through co-curricular programs.
The Cooperative Education programs offered through the Career Center
enable you to gain practical experience in your field while
earning income and sometimes academic credit.
The Career Center also has on-going postings of part-time job opportunities.
You should also check with your advisor regarding internships and volunteer work in your field.
As you track yourself toward graduation, monitor your development
in academic knowledge, practical experience, and skill development.
In addition to the co-curricular offerings in Student Activities,
both the Counseling Center and the Career Center offer
specialized personal development workshops. The Counseling Center
offers a range of workshops each semester covering such issues as
study skills, test anxiety, stress/time management, single parenting,
and interpersonal relations. The Career Center conducts workshops on
interviewing, resume writing and effective job search strategies.
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