Furthering Student Development

Through Intentional Extracurricular

Involvement
What is DegreePlus?

DegreePlus is a dynamic
part to your education in
which you are
encouraged to learn
transferable skills
through participation in
extracurricular activities,
and then reflect and
apply the knowledge you
have learned.
Goals of DegreePlus

• Goal 1: Increase participation in

extracurricular activities that promote
transferable skill development.

• Goal 2: Enhance cultural responsiveness,

leadership, professionalism, and teamwork
skills.
Pilot program
• This academic year, DegreePlus will be in its pilot
year serving:
– Honors College students
– Academic Success Program Students
– Living-Learning Community students

• Your skill area: Professionalism

– Level 1 – Participation in five DegreePlus events on
professionalism
– Level 2 – Reflection on your participation in DegreePlus Day
– Level 3 – Application of the knowledge and skill development
you’ve gained through participation and reflection
Professionalism
Beyond the Dress Code
• Confidence
• Responsibility
• Dependability
• Knowledgeable
• Attentiveness
• Honesty
• Cooperation
• Respect
• Ambition
What is your role on
campus?
• Which roles are you affiliated with on-campus?
• What skills and qualities are necessary in your position?
• How can enhancing professionalism help you in your
leadership roles or future career?

Be prepared for any new encounters that may lead to

beneficial opportunities.
Sample Activities
Etiquette Reception or Dinner
Hire Attire Fashion Show
Professional development workshops
Student employment/ internships
Volunteering via Center for Service Learning
Catamount Career and Networking Day
Student clubs and organizations
Attendance at national and regional conferences
How will this work?
• Step One: Register for DegreePlus via OrgSync
(instructions are on your table)
• Attend five DegreePlus events on professionalism
(Level 1)
– Bring your CatCard to events to swipe in as you enter the event
• Attend DegreePlus Day to learn about Level 2
• Write and pass reflection paper (Level 2)
• Integrate and apply knowledge capstone project
(Level 3)
– Create poster presentation and present at DegreePlus Day
(each Spring)
 Career Development
Center for Career and Professional Development
150 Reid Building
careerservices@wcu.edu
(828) 227-7133
CCPD Range of Services

Resume/Cover
JobCat 2.0 Employment Fairs
Letter Reviews

Career Counseling

Graduate School Focus II and Interview

Planning Vocational Testing Preparation
 Benefits of Visiting the
Career Center
• You’ll be proactive in getting help.
• It’s staffed by professionals who are specifically trained to
assist college students with career-related concerns.
• It’s the best place on campus to help you figure out what you
want to do with your life and how.
• You’ll develop strategies to address your weaknesses.
• You’ll learn how to
compete and win.
 Four-Year Career Plan
Freshman Year:
Self-Assessment
 Meet with a Career Development staff member to learn
how to develop and implement a personalized 4-year
career plan.
 Visit the CCPD’s website at http://www.wcu.edu and
log into your account on Job Cat 2.0.
 Attend a resume writing workshop and develop your
first college resume.
 Get involved on- and off-campus. Join a student
organization, volunteer and/or get an on-campus job.
 Create relationships with your faculty members and do
your best academic work!
Junior:
Formulate Plan or Grad School
 Meet with a Career Development staff member to
formulate your job or graduate school search timeline
and plans.
 Focus and set career goals.
 Research graduate/professional school possibilities.
 Take on leadership roles on and off-campus.
 Get professional experience through on-campus
research, internships, on-campus employment,
volunteer work or a summer job.
Sophomore Year:
Career Exploration & Leadership
 Meet with a Career Development staff member to discuss
your career plans and evaluate your 4-year career plan.
 Actively research career fields that interest you.
 Attend career related workshops or events
 Conduct informational interviews with professionals to learn
about a particular career field.
 Secure an internship, or summer employment related to your
career goals.
Senior:
Job Search & Transition
 Meet with a career counselor to design a job search strategy
or finalize your graduate/professional school search.
 Prepare for job interviews or graduate school with a mock
interview in CCPD.
 Participate in career fairs and other related events to build
your network of contacts in your field of interest.
 Revise and update your resume and draft a cover letter.
 Complete an internship or career-related work experience if you
haven’t already.
Kahoot.it

Enter Game Pin: 644585

What should I do right
now?
• Register! Please take the next few minutes to
register in OrgSync.
• You may use your phone, tablet, or laptop, or you
may use the computers available in the room.
 Additional Resources
Social Media:
“WCU Career Services”
“WCU DegreePlus”

@wcu_ccpd

Websites:
 careers.wcu.edu You can schedule an appointment
through GradesFirst or stop by
 degreeplus.wcu.edu during daily drop in hours from
2:00-4:00! *Reid Building

 Contact us at (828) 227-7133

Thank You!