By Grace Phillips, Science Reference Librarian, Walsh Library

January marks a fresh start, when many of us have made resolutions to make some positive changes or additions to our lives. This January, with the library’s help, make the resolution to think about the next steps after you graduate from Fordham—like applying for graduate school or finding a full-time job!

Whether you are applying for medical school, getting a teaching certification, or studying to become a CPA, Fordham has the resources you need to succeed.

A One-Stop Shop for Test Prep

You might be wondering…where do I find these materials? Recently, test administration companies have been creating digital prep packages instead of printing new books every year when tests get updated. Because these books go out of date so quickly, you will not see many current editions on our shelves.

However, we have just the right database for you! Many standardized exam practice tests and study guides are available on our Peterson’s Test & Career Prep Database, where you can create a free account to access our full title list.

And, to supplement what might not be available in the Peterson’s database, Fordham University Libraries has a Test & Career Preparation Research Guide, which provides you with more information and resources.

Graduate School Exams

Typically, students going on to graduate school will take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which most graduate programs will accept. However, if you want to go into a specialized field, you’ll have to take a specialized exam.

Here are some of the exceptions to taking the GRE:

• Law School – LSAT
• Medical School – MCAT
• Business School – GMAT
• Dental School – DAT
• Optometry School – OAT

And, remember that you can take the TOEFL or the IELTS as English language proficiency exams if your graduate program requires them.

All this and more is outlined in the Test & Career Preparation Research Guide, where you can find the right test for you and any accompanying test prep materials.

Job Certification Exams

Did you know that career licensing and certification requirements vary between states? Our research guide includes links to New York State requirements for teaching, accounting, and social work.

If you want to get certified in a different state, though, here is where you can find those requirements:

• Teachers, visit the Education Testing Services (ETS) website and select your state or territory. Some Canadian provinces are included, but not all.
• Social workers, visit the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) website and select your state, province, or territory.
• Accountants, visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website and select your state or territory.
• Nurses (where all certification requirements are the same across the United States), visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website to learn about the NCLEX requirements.

Careers & Employment Research Guide

But what if you don’t know what to do after graduation? Or, what if you’re still trying to figure out your major or add on a minor? You’re in luck—because we have something for you, too!

The Careers & Employment research guide offers information on where and how to:

• Search for jobs and internships
• Write resumes and cover letters
• Prepare for job interviews
• Conduct company research
• Choose a major (or majors!)
• Contact the Career Services Office

Start out your new year on the right foot and reach out to a Reference Librarian if you have any questions about these research guides, the Peterson’s Test & Career Prep database, or other testing resources.