NEXT STEPS
FIRE prepares you to take fearless next steps after you complete our experience.
What happens after I complete FIRE?
FIRE students are strongly positioned to transition to next steps in their professional development after completing the FIRE 3 semester experience. In addition to the technical skills you have gained, FIRE students are career ready.
The National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) outlines the competencies for career readiness as...
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, and overcome problems. The individual is able to obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data in this process, and may demonstrate originality and inventiveness.
Oral & Written Communication
Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms to persons inside and outside of the organization. The individual has public speaking skills; is able to express ideas to others; and can write/edit memos, letters, and complex technical reports clearly and effectively.
Teamwork & Collaboration
Build collaborative relationships with colleagues and customers representing diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, religions, lifestyles, and viewpoints. The individual is able to work within a team structure, and can negotiate and manage conflict.
Leadership
Leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others. The individual is able to assess and manage his/her emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
Digital Technology
Leverage existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. The individual demonstrates effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
Professionalism & Work Ethic
Demonstrate personal accountability and effective work habits, e.g., punctuality, working productively with others, and time workload management, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. The individual demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly with the interests of the larger community in mind, and is able to learn from his/her mistakes.
Career Management
Identify and articulate one's skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to the position desired and career goals, and identify areas necessary for professional growth. The individual is able to navigate and explore job options, understands and can take the steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understands how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.
Global & Intercultural Fluency
Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and religions. The individual demonstrates, openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all people and understand individuals’ differences.
Recommended Steps after FIRE
01
Know thy Self
Think through the competencies you feel you have most gained through your time in FIRE. Develop a list outlining your strengths and areas of challenge and how you plan to utilize your strengths going forward and improve upon your areas of challenge. Think too about what makes you happy and your passion.
02
Talk with your FIRE FACULTY LEADER
Talk with your FIRE Faculty Leader about your performance. Share with them your self assessment of your strengths and areas of challenge and get their feedback from their experience working with you. Your FIRE Faculty Leader will likely be able to share quite a bit with you on this front considering they have worked with you for at least a year.
03
secure references
Develop a list of persons who you believe have witnessed your work ethic and your growth to write you letters of recommendation.
04
Search for opportunities
Use the available databases below to search for opportunties on and off campus that may be of interest to you and that will lead you towards your desired career.
05
Network
Find as many outlets to network as you can. Connect with people in the field in which you are interested and let them know you are looking for opportunities. Carry around a business card or resume to share with them. Make a good first impression.