Be Career Ready: Share Your Story and Start Your Search

Being career-ready means more than just having experience; it’s about confidently sharing your story, understanding your strengths, and taking intentional next steps toward your future. Whether you’re preparing to apply for jobs, graduate school, post-grad service, or a gap year, this is where everything comes together.

Career Readiness includes the skills, experiences, and confidence to present yourself professionally in a variety of settings. Augustana aligns Career Readiness with the NACE Career Readiness Competencies and the Augustana Student Learning Outcomes, ensuring you’re equipped to thrive after college.

Need Help Navigating Your Next Step?

Career readiness looks different for everyone. Whether you’re searching, applying, or still deciding, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Meet with a career coach

Viking Score: Career Ready Activities

The Viking Score is Augustana College’s career-readiness program to support students through college and post-graduate life by tracking experiences and awarding points to earn incentives along the way. Learn more about Viking Score.

These activities help you pull it all together, by reflecting on your journey, preparing key materials, and launching your post-grad plans. Earn points as you share your story and take action.

🔹 CAREER READY Signature Activity: Share Your Story Using a Networking Brief | 20 Viking Score Points
Learn how to introduce yourself professionally by crafting a concise summary of your background, goals, and value. This is your chance to practice telling your story in a way that connects with employers, grad schools, or professional networks. Learn more about the Signature Career Ready Activity and download the Networking Brief Template. In order to receive the total 20 points for the signature activity, you will need to bring in your activity to process & reflect with a Career Coach. Schedule an appointment with your Career Coach to discuss what you have learned. Points will be awarded by your Career Coach after your appointment.

🔹 Senior Roadmap | 6 Viking Score Points
Though the process for achieving career success begins early in a college career, Seniors have additional pressure to make a plan. Career Coaches are especially interested in checking in with every single graduating senior to help them make a plan through the Senior Roadmap. Review the Senior Roadmap, then Schedule an appointment with your Career Coach to discuss what you have learned. Points will be awarded by your Career Coach after your appointment

🔹 Research Employers or Graduate/Professional School Programs | 4 Viking Score Points
Explore potential employers or programs based on your interests, values, and goals. Learn about organizational culture, job roles, application requirements, and more. Research Employers and Graduate/Professional School Programs. To earn your Viking Score Points, you must meet with a Career Coach to discuss what you have learned and plan for next steps.

🔹 Create a Target List of Employers or Graduate Programs | 4 Viking Score Points
Identify and track 5–10 top employers, service organizations, or graduate programs that align with your goals. A strong target list helps you stay focused and proactive. Determine what you need in an experience for it to be satisfying by Identifying Your Criteria. To earn your Viking Score Points, you must meet with a Career Coach to discuss what you have learned and plan for next steps. Learn more about how to complete this activity.

🔹 References & Letters of Recommendation | 4 Viking Score Points
Create a professional reference list and prepare to request strong letters of recommendation. Build relationships with mentors who can advocate for your next step. Reference List & Letter Request Tips. To earn your Viking Score Points, share your list of references or list of people from whom you plan to request letters of recommendation with your Career Coach

🔹 Digital Commons Submission | 6 Viking Score Points
Showcase your work by submitting a presentation, poster, thesis, or capstone to Augustana’s Digital Commons. Highlighting your academic achievements demonstrates your readiness for professional or academic pursuits. Entries accepted to the Augustana Digital Commons are automatically uploaded each semester; Viking Score points are then awarded

Other Career Ready Paths to Consider

These options aren’t directly part of Viking Score—but they are valuable and well-supported options after graduation.