Career Jumpstart: Developing a Career Plan Even Before Day One

MSU Law’s innovative Summer Career Jumpstart program gives members of the fall 2015 incoming students a big lead on career development.

The program educates students about important career-related topics and allows them to make progress on some of the basic building blocks needed in legal career development, said Daniel W. Linna Jr., assistant dean for career development and professor in residence.

“We know first-year students are engrossed in their classes and assignments during the first months of law school,” Linna said. “The Summer Career Jumpstart program provides our newest students with the opportunity to make progress in key areas when their schedule is much lighter and they can devote the time needed.”

There are four prongs to the 2015 Summer Jumpstart program:

• A series of webinars that introduce students to legal careers, the changing legal landscape, and strategies for their own career development
• Reading and applying The Start Up of You
• Perfecting a legal resume and professional LinkedIn profile
• Developing a career roadmap, which will be revised during students’ career

“Today’s job market requires students to be proactive and build their connections and their brand starting before Day One,” Linna said.

Newly admitted students say they find the webinars interesting and informative.

“I am from Virginia so these events have allowed me the opportunity to engage with the MSU Law community from a distance,” Kate Wakeman said. “I’m looking forward to tuning in throughout the summer as I prepare for my 1L year.”

Admitted students also can view recordings of the webinars if they are unable to join the live programs through a members-only website for admitted candidates.

“Although I intend to pursue in-person consultation from Career Services, the webinars are excellent in assisting me to clarify what exactly to seek consultation for,” said Eric D. Bryson, another member of the incoming 2015 class.

 “In addition to providing our students with an excellent legal education, we are diligent in helping them launch their careers,” MSU Law Dean Joan W. Howarth said. “This webinar series helps students develop the energy and initiative they’ll need through the next three years and well into their careers.”

For more information about CSO and Career Jumpstart, visit the CSO website.

Last Updated: June 29, 2015