Neuroscience Blueprint for Success

DISCOVER: Year One

  • Discover career resources
    • Visit the CaPS office
    • Complete self-assessments with CaPS to discover your skills, interests, and talents
    • Learn about Handshake for on and off-campus job opportunities
    • Attend CaPS Career Fair event on campus to discover your options
  • Discover academic resources
    • Focus on academic success
    • Visit the Student Success Center and attend workshops to help you succeed in your classes
    • Connect with your professors during their office hours
    • Talk with your academic advisor
    • Attend Study Abroad Fair on campus to discover your options
    • Connect with your peer mentor
    • If you are pre-med/pre-health, meet with your pre-health advisor and connect to pre-health listservs/Canvas, as well as pre-health clubs
    • Take introductory Neuroscience classes NS 110, SW 250-PS, BI 210 and 220, SE 132 or CS 142
  • Discover BU beyond the classroom

EXPLORE: Year Two

  • Explore your academic options
    • Participate in events and networking opportunities related to your major
    • Explore options for additional majors/minors
    • Meet with your academic advisor to discuss your progress within your major/minor and possible career interests
    • If you are pre-med or pre-health, meet with your pre-health advisor to insure you are on track with your pre-health requirements
    • Talk with faculty about possible research opportunities
    • Attend Study Abroad Fair on campus and visit study abroad office
    • Learn about Butler Summer Institute
    • Take NS 210
  • Explore opportunities outside of the classroom
    • Visit CaPS to learn more about summer internship and job opportunities
    • Connect with CaPS advisor for assistance with application materials as well as interview preparation for internships/jobs
    • Attend CaPS Career Fair event on campus
    • Step-up your involvement on campus and seek a leadership position in a group or club important to you
    • Explore events on campus; attend something different and new for you!
    • Attend BCR events
    • Volunteer with a organization with ties to your career on a regular basis.

ENGAGE: Year Three

  • Engage fully in academics
    • Conduct an internship or independent research (get started on a thesis!) related to your field of study OR solidify plans to do so in the coming year
    • Plan for a productive summer with Butler Summer Institute
    • Visit with study abroad office to take care of logistics associated with study abroad
    • Meet with your academic advisor to check your progress and outline your path to completing your degree
    • If you are pre-med or pre-health, meet with your pre-health advisor to insure you are on track with your pre-health requirements
    • Consider taking a course or two outside of Neuroscience to broaden your knowledge
    • Seek every opportunity to refine your public speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills
    • Take upper level Neuroscience courses to broaden and deepen your knowledge of Neuroscience and your area of concentration
  • Engage in career planning
    • Meet with your academic and CaPS career advisors to discuss post-graduation plans
    • Consider taking “LC301: Career Planning Strategies”
    • Meet with CaPS career advisor to update resume, LinkedIn, and Handshake profiles
    • Evaluate admission requirements, entrance exams, and application deadlines for post-graduate programs
    • If you are pre-med or pre-health, meet with your pre-health advisor to discuss the timing of your MCAT and applications; attend all pre-health events
    • Prepare for graduate school entrance exams if applicable
    • Meet with CaPS advisor to work on personal statement if applicable
    • Attend grad school information sessions
    • Request letters of recommendation
    • Research top job sectors and industries to identify opportunities
    • Attend CaPS networking and Career Fair events
  • Engage on and off campus
    • Become a leader in BU clubs
    • Seek volunteer opportunities
    • Find job shadowing opportunities

FINALIZE: Year Four

  • Finalize academic endeavors
    • Complete an internship/independent research (thesis) experience
    • Take a NS 410 and any remaining requirements for your majors/minors
    • Meet with academic advisor to check academic record for graduation requirements and discuss post-graduation plans
    • Consider taking a course or two outside of your major to develop a new skill or broaden your exposure
  • Finalize post-graduation plans
    • Complete applications to graduate or professional programs (usually Fall of 4th year)
    • Request letters of recommendation
    • Attend job fairs and BU alumni networking events
    • Seek assistance from CaPS regarding interview skills, job search strategies and CV development
    • Update your CV/resume
    • Make sure your social media accounts are ready for professional scrutiny
    • Complete CaPS post-graduate survey on Handshake before graduation and update employment/continuing education status when plans are solidified