🔹 When should I start thinking about jobs after graduation? 🔹 Is it too early to plan my career in first year? 🔹 How do I prepare for life after university? 🔹 What should I do now to get a good job later? 🔹 Can CEL help me plan ahead?

Acadia’s Career Services and Experiential Learning (CEL) office encourages students to begin career planning early — ideally in first or second year. Building a resume, exploring interests, and gaining experience through work, volunteering, or extracurriculars helps students feel confident and prepared by graduation. CEL offers advising, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities to support this journey.

It’s never too early to start thinking about your future — and the earlier you begin, the more confident you’ll feel when graduation approaches.

CEL (Career Services and Experiential Learning) recommends starting in your first or second year by:

• 🧠 Exploring your interests – What excites you? What kind of work feels meaningful?

• 📄 Building your resume – Include part-time jobs, volunteering, clubs, and leadership roles

• 🧪 Gaining experience – Try internships, experiential learning projects, or community involvement

• 🗓️ Meeting with a career advisor – Get personalized guidance and start mapping out your goals

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong foundation, a clear direction, and a resume full of experiences that show who you are and what you’re capable of.

📘 Helpful Definitions:

• Career planning: Thinking ahead about your goals and taking steps to prepare for them

• Resume: A document that summarizes your education, experience, and skills

• Experiential learning: Hands-on learning through work, volunteering, or projects

📎 Suggested Links:

• Develop Resume & Career Skills – CEL 

• Book a Career Advising Appointment – CEL 

• CEL Services Overview 

📝 Special Notes:

• You don’t need to have a career path fully figured out — CEL can help you explore options

• International students are welcome to use all CEL services and get support navigating Canadian job markets

• Career planning is a process — starting early gives you time to reflect, experiment, and grow