| Explore | Year 1 | - Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
- Map out a 4-year course plan in Degree Works' Student Educational Planner.
- Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning, and to discuss tutoring, electives, & degree progression.
- Take Math Placement and register for math classes each semester until you complete MATH 200 and statistics (STAT 212 or SCMA 301).
- Earn at least a 2.5 semester GPA and 15 credits a semester to declare your major at the end of year 2 & graduate in 4 years.
| | | | - Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
- Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers in your field of study.
- Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) to connect to VCU traditions, networking opportunities, and fellow Rams.
- Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
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| Experience | Year 2 | - Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide. Ask questions about how to use the library.
- Schedule an appointment with your advisor and explore minors, certificates, and skills-based value added courses.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
- Make sure to take INFO 165.
- Be prepared for a challenging year of ACCT, ECON and math classes. Use tutoring at the Campus Learning Center and Studio BE to get ahead.
| | | - Apply for externships through the Economics Department.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and other professional development events.
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
- Create an ePortfolio to document academic/professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections.
- Plan ahead to complete at least 2 internships before the start of your 4th year.
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| Year 3 | - Deepen your expertise at finding information in your discipline by working with your subject expert librarian & using research guides.
- Enhance your business, software, technology and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
- See your academic and career advisors regularly to discuss your progress towards graduation and career planning.
- Take ECON 300, ECON 301, and ECON 302.
- Take summer or intersession classes to make up credits, if needed.
- Consider applying for the accelerated 5-year BS to MA degree in Economics.
| | | | - Update your business resume to include new experiences you have gained and skills you have developed. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
- Attend the School of Business Career Fair.
- Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
- Research graduate/professional schools at least 1 year in advance of deadlines. Study for and complete any exams the summer before senior year.
- Talk to advisors, faculty, and Business Career Services about graduate school versus a job.
- Research and apply for an internship at the Federal Reserve of Richmond.
- Connect with VCU Economics Students and Alumni on LinkedIn.
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| Excel | Year 4 | - Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor a semester before your anticipated graduation to ensure all graduation requirements will be met.
- Take an economics capstone course (ECON 431, 441, 442, 461, or 489).
- Complete the BUSN 499 Business Knowledge Exam.
- Take MGMT 434 in your final semester -- be aware of the multiple prereqs!
- Conduct independent undergraduate research in ECON 492.
| | - Reflect on your own cultural competency, and be prepared to answer interview questions that outline how you have worked with diverse populations.
- Meet with Business Career Services to identify how the international perspective of your coursework can be highlighted on your resume.
- Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
| - Continue to engage in research to create more content for your ePortfolio.
- Present your research at conference/meeting such as UROP Undergraduate Research Symposium or other conferences.
- Reflect on the experiential learning you have engaged in thus far, and discuss with current or potential mentors (peers, faculty, advisors, alumni, professionals).
- Complete at least one internship in ECON 493.
| - Update your business resume to include new experiences, skills, and high level academic projects. Submit to VMock and/or meet with a Career Coach in Business Career Services to update.
- Complete exams, applications, or self-marketing activities for after graduation.
- Engage with the VCU Alumni Association at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and by joining a VCULink Industry Network and alumni chapter as you prepare to graduate.
- Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed and do a mock interview at Business Career Services.
- Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
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