Career Exploration Process

Career Exploration is a life-long process. With the changing times in our society, making the "right" decision can feel somewhat overwhelming. Therefore, it's important NOT to randomly make your career decision. Making a good career decision can be a lengthy process, although many think that it is a decision that can be made very quickly.

How can the Career Services Office help you?

We suggest that you try to break the process down into steps so that it won't feel so "overwhelming".

Here are the steps along with some of the resources offered by the Career Services Office:

1. Develop your career options by assessing your:

• Personality/Interest
• Values
• Skills

The Career Services Office offers various Career Assessments to assist you with your first step.

2. Research your career options

Once you have completed your self-assessment, other factors such as occupational outlook, individual situation, salary, etc. should be considered. However, it's important NOT to choose an occupation solely because it makes a high salary or that you're "guaranteed a job". If you won't enjoy it or if it doesn't "fit" you, you may not be happy.

There are various ways to research career options:

• Look up career information using the internet
• Computerized Career Guidance Systems
• Conduct Informational Interviews

3. Goal Setting & Decision Making

• Identify where your goals and interests intersect the world of work.
• Examine your various possible career paths.
• Make a decision about what you would like to pursue.

4. Testing your Career

Resources to explore interests and gain career-related experience are:

• Internships/Coops
• Gain part-time employment in the field of interest
• Volunteer your time! This is a great way to gain career-related experience that can help to decide if you are going in the right path.
  

5. Action/Implementation

Put your plan into action and continue to move forward!