Leadership & Innovation in Aging Studies College to Career Major Map
The leadership and innovation in aging studies college to career major map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your MSUM career that will prepare you for success.
Printable version of Leadership & Innovation in Aging Studies College to Career Major Map [PDF]
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First Year
Academics
- Start taking LASC courses as well as foundational and core Leadership and Innovation in Aging Studies courses.
- Need a little help in your classes? Look into tutoring with the Academic Success Center.
On-Campus Experience
- Sign up to participate in the Leadership and Innovation in Aging Studies Learning Community.
- Join a student organization.
- Participate in Student Life Pathways to continue growing your skills/knowledge outside of the classroom. We recommend starting with the Community Life Pathway.
Connect to the Community
- Volunteer on or off-campus with different community organizations such as Sanford Health, Eventide, Hospice of the Red River Valley, Lutheran Social Services of MN, or Valley Senior Services.
Understand Your Career
- Explore your interests, skills, and values and learn about the career readiness competencies by taking the FOCUS 2, an online assessment free for all MSUM students.
- Schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to review your FOCUS 2 results and to begin building your resume.
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Second Year
Academics
- Take a deeper dive into the discipline of Leadership and Innovation in Aging studies and begin considering a minor such as Health Services Administration or Social Work.
On-Campus Experience
- Find an on-campus or part-time job in the community. Visit Dragon Jobs powered by Handshake to see positions are open.
- Continue working on your Student Life Pathways. Try working your way through the Personal Wellness and the Equity and Inclusion paths.
Connect to the Community
- Join LinkedIn to begin building your professional network and online presence. Think of your profile as a virtual resume and make sure to update it regularly to reflect new jobs, research, coursework, volunteering, involvement, and skills.
Understand Your Career
- Start researching potential career paths on O*Net or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here, you will be able to find valuable information such as typical tasks associated with the profession, skills, and knowledge needed, education and licensures needed, wages and employment trends, professional organizations, and related occupations. We suggest you search for careers such as Medical and Health Services Manager or Nursing Home Administrator.
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Third Year
Academics
- In addition to working with your advisor to get your access code, schedule an appointment with them to ensure you're on track for graduation.
- Take inventory of your professional goals and decide if your future will need to include graduate school. If so, take the necessary exams and keep track of application timelines.
On-Campus Experience
- Begin your leadership journey by applying for a student leadership position or run for an officer position in a student organization. Find available leadership positions on Dragon Jobs in early spring.
- We suggest focusing on the Professional Success and Contribution and Influence Student Life Pathways. These will help connect you to potential employers and develop skills for success post graduation.
Connect to the Community & World
- Participate in a faculty-led trips to conferences, including the Minnesota Gerontological Society Annual Conference and the Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference.
Understand Your Career
- Attend professional development related events on-campus, and connect with faculty to learn more about the field and gain insights on how to be successful in your job search.
- Find an internship or part-time job with a local or regional firm to learn the ins and outs of your chosen career. Before applying, schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to help you prepare.
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Fourth or Final Year
Academics
- Participate in the Student Academic Conference to showcase research, connect with employers, and to boost your resume.
- Ensure you submit your application for graduation on time.
On-Campus Experience
- Assess what experiences or skills are areas of growth for you and fill in gaps with volunteering, organizations, or part-time employment.
- Finish up your pathways and be sure to add your accomplishments to your LinkedIn and resume.
Connect to the Community & World
- Join professional organizations such as the Gerontology Society of America to gain access to research, continuing education opportunities, and job boards.
- Get involved in a community organization such as the Young Professionals Network to continue building your professional network.
Understand Your Career
- Network relentlessly! Attend the spring Career Fairs to get connected to employers looking to hire soon-to-be grads. Check Dragon Central for more information.
- Schedule appointments with a Career Coach to go over your professional documents and to prepare for upcoming interviews. And remember, once a dragon always a dragon. You have access to these services for life.
What skills do I need to be successful in Leadership & Innovation in Aging Studies?
- decision making
- detail orientated
- interpersonal
- negotiation
- physical strength
- self-discipline
Thankfully, through coursework, on-campus involvement, part-time employment, and internships, you will be prepared for life post-graduation.
What can I do with a Leadership & Innovation in Aging Studies degree?
A degree in gerontology can take your career in many directions. Most students choose to enter the workforce right after graduation while others continue their education after a few years in the workforce. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for their career. Check out the Leadership and Innovation in Aging Studies Careers & Outcomes page to learn more about what careers you can have with an gerontology degree.