Graduating from UMass prepared for a fulfilling career should be one of your top goals. You’ll get there by building your skills, acquiring knowledge, and strengthening your professional identity as a student. Seize every opportunity to grow professionally at UMass through the many resources available to you.
Start your career exploration early:
- Get involved with organizations
- Plan to find an internship
- Attend career events
- Meet with Career Advisors in your school or college
- Learn about career opportunities for your major
Questions
I don’t know what I want to do for a career. How do I get started?
College is the time to learn about your professional options and how they align with your interests. Use this outline of steps to help you get started or continue with your path.
How do I find help from a career advisor?
UMass has both central career services and career advising for students in declared majors housed in your school or college. Find people you can meet with for guidance.
I’m afraid if I don’t pick the right major, I won’t be able to find a job. What should I do?
Most careers have professionals who come from a variety of academic backgrounds. There are some jobs, however, that require specific credentials or experiences. While at UMass, learn about career fields and employer expectations so you are ready to embark in furthering your education for in the career you want. Learn what you can do with your major.
What do employers want from a new graduate?
Employers want to know what courses you’ve taken, but they are often interested in much more than your major, including your ability to:
- Solve problems
- Communicate effectively
- Work well in teams
- Adapt to change
- Interpret and apply data
- Manage your time
- Stay organized
Take advantage of career and job fairs offered through UMass to talk directly with employers about what they want from new graduates. See career fairs scheduled for this semester.