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What are the best career options for me?
Real World
A student developed an interest in marketing but wasn't sure
how to find people in the field to talk to. He had worked as
a clerk in the payroll office of University Extension for several
years. He decided to talk over his career interests with his
supervisor, who pointed out that Extension had a marketing department
and that she'd be happy to introduce him to the director. This
"right in your own back yard" referral led to a great
informational interview
and lots of other contacts. Sometimes making connections can
really pay off!
You might pursue a career based on your major, or you might pursue one
based on passions or interests outside of your field of study. Whichever
the case, making a good choice about a career essentially depends on three
things:
- Improving your awareness and understanding of your interests, skills,
and motivations
- Learning what kinds of jobs, employers, and career fields exist that
fit with your interests, abilities and values
- Making a decision that matches what you want and what opportunities
are available to you
Your successful match may result in identifying a rewarding career path,
seeking (and landing!) a job, or pursuing further training, including
internships, certifications, or graduate school. The following Career
Center planning resources can point you in the right direction as you
shape your own set of criteria for evaluating the options that are ideal
for you.
Planning Resources
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Developing a strong sense of your interests, skills, values,
and preferences is crucial to establishing a clear point of reference
for figuring out your initial career path. The Career Center's assessment
tools will suggest career options based on your interests, skills, and personality
style. |
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To find out more about careers you might want to consider,
visit the Career Center's Information Lab
and browse through our resource collection to help narrow your focus. You
can also gather information about various career opportunities by checking
out our Career Fields. Use these
and other Career Center resources to learn basic information about career
options. |
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Talking to people who are involved in the type of work you
are considering is an extremely helpful way to make informed career decisions.
Learn how to connect with alumni or professionals working in interesting
careers to get insights into particular jobs or career paths. |
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Through direct experience, you gain the kind of exposure that
can best educate you about yourself and your compatibility with different
jobs or careers. You can take on a volunteer position, work during the summer,
or find an internship, which will help you learn more about your career
options as well as enhance your marketability to employers as you develop
new skills. |
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As you continue through the process of evaluating your career
options, keep in mind that Career Center counselors are available to offer
you individual assistance. Your counselor can help you identify what criteria
you will want to use to focus your options and recommend additional resources
or tools for your specific situation. |
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You will want to fully consider what you have learned through
your self-assessment, career research, and accumulated experiences before
making decisions about your next steps. Identify and weigh the pertinent
factors against your desired outcomes and then take action.
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The steps you take to help determine the best career options
for you may depend on your particular year in school. Find out what activities
you can do based on your class year. |
Take Action
Reality Check
Graphic artist? Public policy analyst? Software engineer?
Figuring out which career is best for you is not necessarily
a task that's finished once you land your first job. Meeting
with a Career Center counselor
who can assist you with your particular concerns is one way
you can get a head start on your career planning and be better
prepared for what you will do after graduation.
While examining the best career options for you,
consider the following questions. Then Research Your
Options based on your responses.
- What kinds of activities do I really enjoy?
- What would I like to learn more about?
- What are my major accomplishments and why?
- What are my strongest talents and skills?
- What characteristics describe my ideal work environment?
Back to Planning Your Future Home
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