Roadmap
Student Journey
College can be overwhelming and your primary focus is always to do well in your classes. At the same time, many factors can set you up for success just like new challenges can set you back. This roadmap is designed to help provide access to resources and programs that help you get the most out of your experience at the Colin Powell School.
As a member of the Colin Powell School community, you are always welcome to stop by the Dean’s office or Advisor’s office. We have dedicated student space there for you and are on hand to answer your questions.
Preparing for a Successful Semester
A successful semester starts before the first day of class. Take the following steps to ensure you begin the semester on the right foot.
- Review City College’s Admitted Freshmen Guide
- Explore the CUNY Student Survival Guide
- Register for your CCNY Student Email
- Register for classes ASAP before they get full (LINK TBA)
- Sign up for Colin Powell School’s Orientation
Planning for the Years Ahead
First Year
You've made it! Now it's time to begin exploring campus, adjusting to classes, and meeting new people.
Second Year
Begin building your network, join clubs on campus and consider applying to our fellowships!
Third Year
Seeking out internships and opportunities to enhance your academic and professional career.
Fourth Year
Prepare for job interviews, attend campus job fairs, and launch your career as you get close to graduation.
First Year — Connecting with others
Work towards doing well in school, but don’t feel defeated or discouraged if things don’t go the way you plan your first semester–it’s more common than you think!
The first semester is a huge period of adjustment – go easy on yourself. You are doing something totally new for the first time, and no one does that well.
Lower Freshman (0-15 Credits)
Upper Freshman (16-30 Credits)
Lower Freshman (0-15 Credits)
- A successful and rewarding career starts with you. Knowing who you are and what you are interested in plays a big role. In your first semester, let yourself experiment and try new things.
- Don’t feel discouraged if things don’t go as planned your first semester — it’s way more common than you think! Go easy on yourself. College is a totally new experience and doing something for the first time is all about learning.
- Understand that now is the time to be accountable to yourself. No one will pressure you to do well in class or do your assignments. This is your moment to grow up and keep yourself accountable.
Upper Freshman (16-30 Credits)
- Your first year is a great time to meet new people. Attend at least one campus event each month to meet other students, alumni, or guest speakers.
- Explore Harlem! Find places to go like where to find coffee and get food.
- Find a mentor.
- Connect with Cynthia.
- Introducing yourself to your professors is a great way to start each semester. Doing so will help them better understand who you are, where you’re coming from, and what you hope to gain from your education.
- Consider teaching assistantships, research opportunities, etc.
- Seek opportunities to develop your writing and presentation skills
- Explore the department websites
- Get to know the majors and fields of study that interest you
- Continue meeting with your Student Success Guide
- Interested Summer courses? Learn more about Summer at City.
Second Year — Laying Foundations
This year is the perfect time to get more involved and start laying the foundations for future success. Attend campus events, meet other students, connect with professors, and begin applying for fellowships to help enrich your resume.
Networking will be key when the time comes to secure internships, learn more about career paths, and begin to get a peek into your professional career.
Lower Sophomore (31-45 Credits)
Upper Sophomore (46-60 Credits)
Lower Sophomore (31-45 Credits)
- Build a resume
- Begin to build your portfolio of student work that shows the quality of your thinking and work.
- Take a diverse range of courses that introduce you to the many career options available to you.
- Explore and apply to our fellowships.
- Attend our on campus event to explore and learn more about our majors and the careers associated with them.
Upper Sophomore (46-60 Credits)
- Attend a career fair.
- Take on more responsibility, whether that’s a leadership role in a student club, part-time work, or an assistantship.
- Secure an internship for the summer.
- Look for opportunities to get engaged!
- College is exciting and a chance to meet new people from different walks of life, but can also be a bit lonely, and that’s okay. If you feel the need to talk to someone, look into the college’s self care resources.
- Explore the Office of Student Engagement
- Take advantage of professor’s office hours
- Carve out extra study time.
- This is your moment to grow into being disciplined and accountable to yourself. No one is tracking you to do well in school or do your assignments.
- Stay healthy and active.
- Benny’s Tools contains valuable information and links that students can refer to throughout the summer and their first semester at CCN.
Third Year — Career & Professional Development
This year is the perfect time to get more involved and start laying the foundations for future success. Attend campus events, meet other students, connect with professors, and begin applying for fellowships to help enrich your resume.
Networking will be key when the time comes to secure internships, learn more about career paths, and begin to get a peek into your professional career.
Lower Junior (61-75 Credits)
Upper Junior (76-90 Credits)
Lower Junior (61-75 Credits)
- Secure a fellowship
- Expand your network.
- Whenever you meet a new person, let it be a student, a professor or a staff member, try to get their contact information and build your network within and outside of school. Networking plays a huge role in your professional career.
- Conduct informational interviews with faculty and alumni to learn more about their career path.
- Find a position that fits you the most! After informational interviews, write down pros and cons of different careers and prioritize the ones that aligns with your passion and interests. Remember, you are more likely to succeed if you love what you are doing!
- Take a leadership role in a student organization.
- Don’t waste your available credits!
- If you have completed your major requirements by now, search for minors that align with your interest and spend your available credits wisely.
Upper Junior (76-90 Credits)
- Develop your resume and cover letter – add in the college activities
- Do great class work that you can be proud of and add to your student portfolio
- Secure another internship closer to your field of interest
- During your internship, get to know your co-workers and supervisors.
- You can reach out to them in your senior year upon graduating about possible job opportunities in their organization.
Fourth Year — Finding the best job
This year is the perfect time to get more involved and start laying the foundations for future success. Attend campus events, meet other students, connect with professors, and begin applying for fellowships to help enrich your resume.
Networking will be key when the time comes to secure internships, learn more about career paths, and begin to get a peek into your professional career.
Lower Senior (91-105 Credits)
Upper Seniors (106-120 Credits)
Lower Senior (91-105 Credits)
- Attend a series of mock job interviews. This process helps you experience a professional interview environment and get to know sample questions that most interviewers ask.
- Make sure your resume is up-to-date.
- Do your research! Before writing your cover letters, learn more about the organization and the work they do.
- Make sure to include some points from their mission to show common interest/benefits.
Upper Seniors (106-120 Credits)
- Begin applying for jobs in January.
- Reach out to your networks and old internship sites about possible job opportunities. Continue networking with alumni and faculty.
- Attend all university job fairs.
- Join professional organizations associated with your field of interest
- Continue to build your LinkedIn network and profile.
- Communicate clearly what you’re looking for in your first job.
- Finalize your student portfolio showcasing your best work.
- Graduate!
Once you Graduate — Come Back and Give Back
- Join the alumni association
- Continue to network with the college and faculty if you’re still looking for work
- Give back and come back to campus to meet and mentor other students
Campus Life
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