Green Mountain College

Sophomores

You Are Here…Now, Explore!
Learn how to take advantage of the opportunities available to you as a Sophomore. All Sophomores are invited to join us for our Annual Sophomore Program where your peers will provide you with information regarding various resources on campus.

Sophomore Checklist
OK, so you have that first year under your belt and are about to move into your later years of college. Don’t let important opportunities pass you by! This is an important year for you. While the following checklist may not be comprehensive, it is an excellent opportunity for Sophomore students to understand where they are, where they want to be and how to get there.
___ Learn who you are and what you do well through personal reflection. Reflect on your interests, strengths and values; use the Environmental Liberal Arts program to determine your likes/dislikes.

___ If you have not done so, choose a major. If you aren’t sure what interests you, then explore your options through discussions with your Academic Advisor, professors, the Career Services Staff, your peers and other staff members. Also, consider joining an academic organization in a field that interests you or that you want to learn more about.

___ Examine your progress toward degree completion. Speak with your Academic Advisor and refer to your course catalog to determine your needed credits in order to complete your degree. You don’t want to be scrambling for those upper division courses your senior year; pace yourself!

___ Visit the Career Services Office to learn about self-assessment, occupational research, internship and job search techniques. The Career Services Office is located on the Second Floor of the Griswold Library. Contact Renee Beaupre-White for more information.

___ De-Stress! Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. The college provides you with exceptional opportunities outside of the classroom that can, ultimately, help you with your coursework.
       ___ Consider taking a yoga class, a Cardio Kickbox class, getting a massage or taking a guided meditation workshop through the Wellness Center.
       ___ Volunteer for Farm Chores at Cerridwen Farm.
       ___ Attend a College Programming Board Event.
       ___ Enjoy studying in the comfort of the Library.
       ___ Slack-Line on the Green in front of Bogue Hall.

___ Gain experiential opportunities. Use these opportunities to learn more about careers, interview professionals in fields of interest, job shadow professionals, volunteer, or get a part-time job. Meet and network with alumni in your field by participating in the Alumni Mentoring Program. Contact Renee Beaupre-White for more information.

___ Gain Leadership Skills that connect you to your community. Apply to be a Resident Assistant and/or volunteer with the Service Learning and Sustainability Office.

___ Meet with faculty and talk about your career interests. Faculty members hold regular office hours and would be happy to set-up appointments for informal discussions.

___ Create a resume and conduct a mock interview in preparation for upcoming internships. The Career Services Office can help you!

___ Begin creating a portfolio with examples of your work (special achievements, letters, writing samples, letters of recommendation), which you will use to develop goals and show to employers interviews.

___ Attend campus career-related activities such as Careers on the Move and other informational/educational lectures.

___ Update your Student Life Transcript in the Career Services Office.

___ Build your transferable skills. Here are some ideas how:
___Increase your computer literacy. Take courses offered at GMC or consider taking online classes.
  ___ Meet students from other countries and diverse backgrounds. Consider joining organizations such as International Awareness Club, African American Culture Club or Diversity. Or, apply to be an Orientation Leader (you can choose an emphasis in International Awareness, Traditional Student, or Eco-Reps)
   ___ Participate in campus activities and athletics. Opportunities exist in approximately 30 student clubs/organizations/club sports and a variety of college-sponsored athletic teams. Involvement can boost your skills in leadership, communication, organization, creativity and

___ Join an organization related to your interests. Consider running for a leadership position within a Registered Student Club/Organization/Club Sport.

___ Consider off-campus learning experiences. Research study abroad opportunities by meeting with Dick Weis, Director of International Programs or by participating in an Eco League Exchange (open to sophomores and juniors).

___ Investigate professional organizations in your career field. Valuable information is available in the Career Services Office, online and throughout campus. Speak with a professor or staff member in a field that interests you to learn more about a specific field.

___ Volunteer or find a summer job/internship related to your career interests. The Career Services Office has access to many open positions in a variety of locations. Consider asking professors and staff members if they know of any openings in the professional field that interests you.

___ Do well academically and work towards earning a high GPA. If you are struggling academically, stop by the Learning Center in the Griswold Library. The Learning Center is an excellent resource that is available to all students who wish to gain some additional support in their efforts to graduate.