Career Core

Career Core is Smith College’s framework for career development. Throughout your four years here, the Smith community—including the Lazarus Center for Career Development—will support you as you explore, connect, experience, and ultimately launch your career.

A circular logo around a blue compass, with words reading Explore, Connect, Experience, Launch

Core Goals

Accomplishing the following goals will ensure that you develop a strong career core and will set you up for success when you are ready to secure a postgraduation opportunity that aligns with your skills, interests, and values.

Explore

Engage in self-reflection, learn about and utilize career tools and resources, and identify potential career paths.

Goals

  • Reflect on your skills, values, and strengths
  • Learn about career resources and how to use them
  • Build fundamental career skills such as writing a resume and cover letter, networking, and interviewing
  • Identify potential career pathways based on your academic and personal interests

Connect

Integrate your values and interests with industry knowledge, build your network, and develop confidence in sharing your goals.

Goals

  • Learn about the trends and requirements of the industries you are interested in to begin mapping your career plan
  • Reflect on others’ career journeys to refine your own career goals
  • Engage in career conversations to build sustained professional relationships (your network)
  • Tailor your career materials to industry standards and practice sharing your strengths

Experience

Gain practical knowledge through internships and experiential learning opportunities and develop essential skills to make informed career decisions.

Goals

  • Complete multiple work-based opportunities such as research, internships, community projects, fellowships, and campus jobs
  • Develop marketable skills through training and experiential learning
  • Clarify professional goals based on work experience
  • Grow mentorship connections with industry professionals through work-based opportunities

Launch

Establish your professional presence, actively seek postgraduation opportunities, and transition into your professional life.

Goals

  • Develop a one-year postgraduation plan, considering your specific goals and how to achieve them
  • Leverage your career network to access opportunities
  • Articulate your professional experiences and skills clearly and confidently
  • Learn how to pursue—and accept—a postgraduation opportunity aligned with your skills, interests, and values