4 things you can do within the AOAExcel Career Center as a 4th-year OD student

As an optometry student in your fourth year, you have your eyes set on exams, research, and rotations. But it’s never too early (or too late!) to start planning the next step in your career. The AOAExcel Career Center—free to all job seekers—provides educational resources, resume databases, and optometry job listings designed specifically to help you make the most of your career.

Here are four things you can do in the AOAExcel Career Center today to prepare for your next steps:

1. Network with doctors of optometry 
   Optometry is a collaborative profession, so don’t be afraid to seek advice from experienced ODs. Building relationships with others in the field can help you find your first job and make the most of your career down the road. You can find the contact info of doctors and practices you’d like to learn more about in the Career Center listings. You don’t have to be in the same city to network, either—try reaching out to ODs by email or with a phone call. And while you’re at it, you can brush up on making a good impression over the phone.
   
   
2. Learn about practice types and employment options
   No two careers in optometry look exactly alike. There are independent practices, partnerships, and group practices, as well as franchises and shared-expense arrangements. But there a plenty of opportunities beyond practice—ODs often find work in academia, industry, and government. Whether as an owner, associate, or contractor, there’s a field out there that fits your work style. Learn more about career pathways and opportunities currently available in the Career Center.
   
   
3. Look up salary ranges in the regions you’re interested in working in
   An important step in planning your career is identifying salary ranges in the areas you’re aiming to work in. There are plenty of online resources you can use to look up salary information, and most job listings in the Career Center include salary ranges that can provide real-time data. If you’re interested in a region where salary data isn’t as readily available, try reaching out to ODs in that area and asking for their perspective.
   
   
4. Update your resume and upload it to our database
   Your resume is one of the best tools you have to make an impression and stand out from the crowd. Once your resume is in good shape, upload it to our database to allow practice owners and potential employers to discover you. Check out some easy resume fixes to get you started!

Register for free and start taking advantage of your AOAExcel Career Center resources! It’s the only career center affiliated with the AOA and AOSA, and it’s your one-stop shop for furthering your career in optometry.