This document provides guidance to students on developing their career path through self-assessment, exploring career options on websites like JobCat and Woofound Compass, creating and customizing profiles on JobCat, networking with alumni on LinkedIn, drafting resumes and cover letters, and meeting with career counselors. It highlights the importance of the career development center website and one-on-one meetings with counselors in exploring careers and opportunities.

1. First-Steps to Landing a
Career
Isabel Ferguson ‘16, Career Development Fellow
Samreen Fatima ‘16, Career Development Fellow

2. How to Develop Your Career Path
1. BCDC website
2. Career exploration
3. Create and update your resume/cover letters
4. Start networking!

3. www.bates.edu/career

4. Career Exploration
● Self-assessment
● JobCat
● Meet with a counselor
● Strong Interest Inventory Assessment
● Events

5. Woofound Compass

6. JobCat 101
● Apply for jobs, internships, CDIP’s, and fellowships
● Register for events, info sessions and interviews
● Documents: multiple resumes, cover letters and writing
samples
● Research employers
● Customization of profile (relevant interests)
● Calendar function

10. David McDonough
Director
Consulting
Colleen Coxe
Finance
Karen Daigler
Graduate and Professional
School Advising
Pre-Health
Nancy Gibson
Graduate and Professional
School Advising
Pre-Law
Kim Gustafson
General Career Counselor
Counselors

11. Purpose of a Resume
What? A resume summarizes your measurable
and quantifiable outcomes such as your
education, experiences, and qualifications as
they relate to your career goals.
Why? To market you to a potential employer in
hopes of securing an interview!

12. Resume Layout
● Header
● Education
● Honors/Awards (optional)
● Experience
● Activities/Athletics (optional)
● Skills & Interests

14. Cover Letters
● Introduces you to a prospective
employer and explains why you
are sending your resume
● Showcases your knowledge and
enthusiasm for the position and
the organization
● Serves as an example of your
writing ability
● Demonstrates how your
education and experience qualify
you for the opportunity/position

15. Cover Letter: Format

16. Networking with alumni
Why? Because you want to know what the job
actually entails
When? Whenever both you and the alum are
available to talk.
How? Find them through LinkedIn and then
send them an email to set up a time for a
phone conversation.

17. Make a profile on LinkedIn!
- Picture (look professional and smile!)
- Very similar to your resume
- Skills - getting endorsed
WHY? To connect with others/learn about what
they do/let people see what you’re interested in

19. Using LinkedIn to find Alumni

20. How to find these alumni?

21. Career Development Fellows
Isabel Ferguson ‘16 Megan Lapp ‘15 Graeme Welds ‘15 Kelsey Mehegan ‘15
Samreen Fatima ‘16 Lani Eversage ‘15 Daniel Oyolu ‘15

22. Walk-In Hours
Monday-Friday 1-3 pm
Wednesday (Library) 7-9 pm
Sunday (OIE) 7-9 pm
146 Wood Street • (207) 786-6232