Psychology 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
- Take PS 105 Careers in Psychology to explore future career options
- Discover academic resources
- 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
- Take introductory Psychology classes SW250-PS and PS110
- Discover BU beyond the classroom
- Join an on-campus organization or club
- Attend department events like the Ice Cream Social in the fall, or Research Fair in the spring
- Attend some lectures, performances, and/or other events on campus
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
- Talk with faculty about possible research opportunities
- Attend Study Abroad Fair on campus and visit study abroad office
- Learn about Butler Summer Institute
- Take Research Methods and Statistics courses PS210 & PS211
- 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
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
- Consider taking a course or two outside of your major to broaden your exposure
- Seek every opportunity to refine your public speaking, writing, and critical thinking skills
- Take upper level Psychology courses to broaden and deepen your knowledge of Psychology
- 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
- 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 capstone seminar
- 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
- 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