Where to Start? Building Career Success
Try it All - Be open to new experiences
- Join student organizations
- Play intramural sports
- Volunteer
- Consider all of your major and minor options
-
Work at several different part-time jobs to explore the kinds of work you like.
(Avoid keeping just one focus or one summer job for years unless you are already certain of your career goals.) - Do internships and co-ops
- Take part in a faculty research project.
Learn from Your Experiences
“I loved it!” — What did you love about it? What made it great? Find more of the same or try something slightly different to broaden your experience.
“It was OK.” — What would have made it better? What was missing? What parts did you like? Consider something different next time—an opportunity that includes the elements you enjoyed, and avoids those you didn’t.
“I hated it!” — What did you hate? What was missing? What didn’t “click”? Start fresh with a completely different experience, avoiding the negative elements of the last one.
Consider Your Next Step
Choose your next exploration by your reaction to the first. Career Services can help.
Make an appointment with a career advisor to discuss the possibilities.
Take advantage of our self-assessment tools.
Research specific careers.
Interview professionals about their fields.
Put it all together and find an interesting new thread with new opportunities.
Repeat
Join clubs. Volunteer. Do internships and co-ops. Choose a different part-time job. Build relationships with faculty. Take advantage of study abroad and domestic exchange programs. Join a professional association. Attend the Graduate and Professional School Fair.
Work with career advisors and use Career Services resources to narrow your interests and find the right career direction.
