Four Year, Eight Semester Outline for School of Business Majors

*CAVEAT* It may take you more than 4 years to complete your college degree. There are numerous reasons it may take more time. Therefore, this outline is meant to serve as a general guide.
Freshman Year - First Semester

  • Don’t think you can catch up later...YOU CAN’T.
  • 1 out of 8 freshman students won’t be around for their sophomore year at Truman
  • Familiarize yourself with the resources that are available on campus
  • Get involved - pursue organizations that interest you both in your major field or outside
  • Begin a file for your senior portfolio

Freshman Year - Second Semester

  • Assess your progress and make necessary adjustments
  • If your grades aren’t what they need to be, look at:
  • The level of effort you have truly given
  • Your time management
  • The quality of your study techniques
  • Become more involved on campus

Sophomore Year - First Semester

  • Step up in organizations - take on responsibility/leadership roles
  • Consider broadening your horizon (study abroad, community volunteer work, undergraduate research project)
  • Attend the Career Expo - look around for potential opportunities and ask employers what they are looking for
  • If you are working, concentrate on gaining valuable experiences that will assist you in your studies and future work opportunities

Sophomore Year - Second Semester

  • Apply to the School of Business
  • Look at DegreeWorks and do a “What-if Analysis” to review your progress on major requirements
  • Build your resume - get feedback from your advisor, faculty, outside contacts, and the Career Center
  • Attend the Career Expo and all presentations given by business professionals

Junior Year - First Semester

  • Be in pursuit of 3.0 GPA or above
  • As your classes get more challenging it will be difficult to raise your GPA
  • Think about which concentration you wish to pursue or if you wish to pursue a double major
  • Think INTERNSHIP -
  • Attend the Career Expo
  • Familiarize yourself with E-Recruiting
  • Network, network, network

Junior Year - Second Semester

  • Don’t let your GPA slip
  • You want your major GPA to be higher than your overall GPA
  • Secure an internship
  • Mock interviews, touch up your resume
  • Think about attending graduate school
  • If yes, consider taking the required entrance test
  • Continue to review DegreeWorks

Senior Year - First Semester

  • Take the senior test
  • Complete your portfolio for submission to the School of Business and the university
  • File your Intent to Graduate form once you have enrolled for your last undergraduate semester
  • Continue to interview; be aggressive and confident while pursuing career opportunities
  • If you are considering graduate school take the required admittance exam

Senior Year - Second Semester

  • Take the senior test (if you didn’t already take it last semester)
  • Land a job
  • However, it is not uncommon for a student to continue searching for employment several months after graduation
  • Choose a graduate school
  • Apply for financial aid
  • Seek out a meaningful summer internship experience

Good Luck!!!