🛠️ Prepare: Define Your Direction and Build Confidence

After exploring your interests, values, and strengths, you’re ready to prepare for what comes next—whether it’s a job, internship, graduate program, or post-grad service opportunity. Preparation involves setting goals, building professional tools, and learning how to present yourself with confidence.

Not Sure What to Prioritize?

That’s okay—preparation can feel overwhelming. A career coach can help you figure out what’s most important right now based on your goals and timeline.

Schedule an Appointment to Talk About Your Next Steps

Viking Score: Preparation 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 build momentum and practical tools to move from exploration to action, and earn Viking Score points along the way.

🔹 Signature Preparation Activity | 6-20 Viking Score Points
Clarify your short-term career goal, such as landing an internship, applying to grad school, or securing a full-time position. You’ll reflect on your interests, strengths, and experiences to set a direction and outline practical next steps. Learn more about what this activity entails. Download the Career Goal Activity Worksheet (PDF), then Schedule a Career Coach Appointment to Earn Full Points. Six points are automatically added if you attend a workshop showcasing this activity or through a career coaching appointment.

🔹 Handshake Profile | 2 Viking Score Points
Handshake is your gateway to jobs, internships, and events. Upload your resume, fill in your interests, and activate your profile to start getting personalized opportunities. Log in to Handshake. Once reviewed with a career coach, these points will be added.

🔹 Create or Update Your LinkedIn Profile | 2 Viking Score Points
LinkedIn helps you build a professional online presence, connect with alumni, and explore career paths. A polished profile increases visibility and shows you’re serious about your goals. Get Started with LinkedIn. Once reviewed with a career coach, these points will be added.

🔹 Attend a Career or Graduate School Fair (Virtual or In-Person) | 2 Viking Score Points
Career fairs are a chance to meet recruiters, explore options, and practice your professional presence. You don’t need to have everything figured out; just show up and ask questions. Prep for an Upcoming Career Fair or See Upcoming Events. Attendance at Augustana -sponsored events will be automatically added.

🔹 Resume Review Appointment | 4 Viking Score Points
A great resume is clear, tailored, and easy to scan. Meet with a coach to get feedback and fine-tune your document for the roles you’re targeting. Create or Update Your Resume and Schedule a Resume Review. Once reviewed with team member, these points will be added.

🔹 Cover Letter Review Appointment | 4 Viking Score Points
Your cover letter helps connect the dots between your experience and the role. Get expert feedback on tone, structure, and alignment with your goals. Create or Update Your Cover Letter and Schedule a Resume Review to review your cover letter. Once reviewed with a team member, these points will be added.

🔹 Interview Prep or Mock Interview | 6 Viking Score Points
Whether you’re preparing for a job, internship, or grad school interview, practice helps. You’ll get comfortable answering common questions and telling your story with confidence. Prepare for Interviews and Schedule a Practice/Mock Interview. Once completed with a career coach, these points will be added.

🔹 Prepare Your Interview Attire | 4 Viking Score Points
Professional attire helps you make a strong first impression. Whether you shop, borrow, or visit a career closet, show that you’re ready to present your best self. Check Out Interview Attire Tips or Resources. Once reviewed with a career coach, these points will be added.

Additional Tools for Preparation

These tools and services aren’t part of the Viking Score, but they’re essential for preparing your materials, telling your story, and taking your next step with confidence.