Pathways

Pathways

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Ramapo

 

Preparing your Professional Profile

Build a draft resume with your Pathways Coordinator  

Finalize your resume

Refer to the Cahill Center Resume/ Cover Letter Toolbox for guidelines, formats, action words and transferable skills.

Practice interviewing with Interview Stream on YouTube

Develop a 2 minute introduction of yourself that offers an idea of who you are and what you are about

Build a professional LinkedIn Profile of your unique goals, skills, accomplishments and interests

Continue learning

Ramapo
Choose Your Path
Landing a job

Work closely with your Cahill Center Career advisor

Attend job fairs and professional job search groups to learn about the job searching process

Share your goals for work with everyone you talk with

Reach out to others who are working in your field of interest

Learn what the related professional groups are in your chosen profession and attend a meeting

Continue learning

Graduate School

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Master’s Degree? Ph.D.? Law School? Thinking about applying? We are here to guide you through both the decision making and application process.

GRADUATE SCHOOL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHICH DEGREE SHOULD I PURSUE – MASTER’S, PHD, LAW SCHOOL?

It is important to know what your goals are after you complete your degree. Researching where your degree can lead you can help answer some initial questions.

You are also not restricted to stay in your undergraduate field of study. There are options right here! Did you know that Ramapo College has 8 Graduate Degree Programs?

If you are interested in applying to PhD programs in Literature, click HERE for more information.

If Law School is an option, check out the Law School Admission Council Website for general and LSAT information.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN DIFFERENT GRADUATE PROGRAMS?

Talk to your undergraduate faculty members for advice. They have been through this process and will be a valuable resource to you. Ask about their graduate school experiences and their recommendations on programs in your desired field of study.

Priorities that you might have had searching for an undergraduate institution, are now most-likely different. Location will be important if you plan to work as a commuter student. It will also benefit you to look at schools from a career-oriented perspective. Check out the school’s career development office and find out who your advisor is.

HOW MANY SCHOOLS SHOULD I APPLY TO?

It is recommended that you apply to no more than six schools – two “ideal”, two “realistic”, and two “safety”.

WHAT DO GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS COMMITTEES LOOK FOR IN APPLICANTS? 

Test Scores: Some institutions require GMAT and programs require both the general and subject tests of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). For fall and winter applications, it is recommended to take the GRE during the spring or summer before. Information on the GRE is available on the GRE website.

Letters of recommendation: Will be expected – especially for a PhD.  The usual expectation is three. Faculty are a great resource and make sure you ask early in an effort to give adequate time.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY TO GRADUATE SCHOOL? 

Most schools have deadlines between mid-December and early January, however, every university is different.

Financial aid decisions are generally decided around March, however, you should still apply as early as possible. 

HOW AM I GOING TO PAY FOR GRADUATE SCHOOL?

Explore options for tuition stipends – Scholarships, loans. If you work full-time and go to school part-time, your employer may offer some form of tuition assistance. Be aware that companies might restrict studies to a field directly related to your job position.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE MY DEGREE?

Generally, a full-time master’s program can be completed in 2 years. Typically, a PhD program doesn’t have a time limit, although the average is 3-4 years beyond a master’s degree.

 

INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS
WORK ABROAD

Italian career database

List of non-profit organizations in Mexico

A comprehensive source of international careers for professionals

Database listing of job opportunities worldwide,

INTERN ABROAD

Internship listings both domestically and internationally

VOLUNTEER ABROAD

Volunteer around the world in this prestigious opportunity

  • Transitions Abroad
    http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
    Resources for Volunteer, Work, Teach, or Travel Abroad
  • Volunteers For Peace
    http://vfp.org/
    A program that works toward a more peaceful world through the promotion of International Voluntary Service (IVS) projects and the exchange of volunteers with projects that provide intercultural education through community service
  • Volunteer Service Overseas
    http://www.vso.org.uk

Volunteer to fight poverty in developing countries.

TEACH ABROAD
  • Aeon
    • Country: Japan
    • Duration: 1 year
    • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, strong command of English, resume and essay
    • http://www.aeonet.com/
  • CIEE Teach Abroad
    • Country: Chile, China, Dominican Republic, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam
    • Duration: Varies 10 weeks-1 year
    • Eligibility: Bachelor’s Degree, English as a native language
    • http://www.ciee.org/teach/
  • Fulbright
  • Geovisions
    • Country: China, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, France, Italy, Russia, Spain
    • Duration: 1 month-1 year
    • Eligibility: Varies on age, language knowledge, native English speaker
    • http://www.geovisions.org/
  • The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
    • Country: Japan
    • Duration: 1 year
    • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or 3 year teaching certificate, be a national of the country of the country where recruited, strong command of English
    • http://www.jetprogramme.org/
  • Teach Away
    • Country: Chile, China, Egypt, Georgia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
    • Duration: varies
    • Eligibility: varies
    • http://www.teachaway.com/
  • Teach For China
    • Country: China
    • Duration: 2 years
    • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, speak fluent English, be a US Citizen or hold a US degree
    • http://www.tfchina.org/
  • World Teach
    • Country: American Samoa, Bangladesh, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, India, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Namibia, Panama, Tanzania, Thailand, Poland, South Africa
    • Duration: 1 year, semester, or summer options
    • Eligibility: – be a native English speaker
      • be at least 18 or above
      • for year-long and semester-long programs ONLY] have a bachelor’s degree by date of program’s departure
    • http://www.worldteach.org
GAP YEAR OPTIONS

A Gap Year can be a very constructive time out, where you take the opportunity to explore your passions – any way you choose.  The time between college and graduate/professional school or beginning your career offers an opportunistic time for self-discovery.  We understand the complexity of goal-setting, planning and successfully carrying out an individualized gap year and will work with you every step of the way.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES TAKING A GAP YEAR OFFER?

Exposure to a new experience is the best way to learn independence and adaptability. Taking a gap year is a different approach to exploring possible career interests and it is a chance for you to stand out and further your resume and graduate/professional school applications.

ARE GAP YEAR COMPANIES WORTH RESEARCHING?

Definitely, although some of these programs can be expensive, they can assist with a lot of planning your trip. They can help you find housing, place you with a host organization or family and guide you through the process of visa policies and paperwork. Websites of these companies often showcase alumni. People who have already gone through the process and experience can offer you real advice. Reach out!

HOW DO EMPLOYERS VIEW A GAP YEAR ON A RESUME?

Your planned gap year must have a purpose. You should anticipate future employers asking what accomplishments you made during this time and you will be expected to discuss what you’ve done and where you’ve been. Whether you want to learn a language, experience a different culture or live abroad, you will have a lot to reflect on once you return. You most likely have gained maturity and have been exposed to real-world situations. This is the time for you to build transferable skills and have the ability to articulate these skills upon your return.

HOW CAN I EASE MY PARENTS’ CONCERNS?

It is important for parents to understand that you are motivated to use this time for self-discovery and you have well thought-out plans and goals. They should know that you are not postponing the “real world,” you are just in need of a different experience. Sit down with them and confirm that they understand what you are trying to accomplish and how you are going to do so. They should also be aware that as an alum of Ramapo, you have access and support from the Cahill Career Center FOR LIFE!