Step One: Find your major and get involved in campus

Study What You Love
According to Inside Higher Ed, only 27% of college graduates work in a field directly related to their major. Your major does not define your career path. You should major in something that you are truly interested in--you will be more motivated to attend class and do well. Get involved on campus because experiences will help you better understand your values, interests, personality and skills.

Action Steps

1. Get to know faculty in your major of interest and visit them during office hours.
2. Speak with juniors and seniors in majors you’re interested in. 
3. Review course descriptions in the course catalog and meet with your academic advisor to discuss major requirements. 
4. Schedule an appointment with the degree planner to make sure you are on track to graduate within a timeline that works for you. 
5. Think about campus clubs and organizations you would like to join. Attend meetings and actively participate. 

Step Two: Figure out who you are and what interests you

In order to choose a major or career path, you must know yourself. Knowing yourself means identifying your values, interests, skills, and personality. To achieve long-term career satisfaction, it’s ideal if you can combine all four aspects together.

Focus2

What Can I Do With This Major?

O*net

Focus2

Focus2 is an online major & career matching quiz. Focus2 will give you ideas about what majors and careers might be interesting to you. You can schedule a meeting with your career advisor to discuss your results. 

What Can I Do With This Major? 

What Can I Do With This Major? is a website with information to help you explore majors and information about your chosen field. Learn typical career areas and types of employers that hire in these fields, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate. 

O*Net

O*NET Online has education, skills, salary information, and more, for over 900 different careers. On this site you can also access My Next Move which is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about career possibilities. 

Other Exploration Resources:

1. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: provides information about hundreds of careers. You can find information about the work environment, education and other qualifications, pay, job outlook, and more, for different occupations. 
2. Find alumni on LinkedIn and explore their careers! Watch our how-to video here. 

Step Three: Gain experience to figure out what you like

There is no better way to learn than by doing. Taking an opportunity where you can put what you are learning into practice is the best way to discern various career paths. Practical experiences allow you to gain skills and work experience, learn workplace etiquette, and build your network. All of these are necessary to succeed in the workforce or in a graduate program after graduation.

Experience can include

• Internship or practicum
• Volunteering
• On-campus employment
• Temporary, seasonal, or part-time jobs
• Research

Action steps

• Research companies and organizations you have heard good things about or have an interest in.

• Explore active jobs, internships, and volunteer posting on Handshake. 

• Polish up or write  your resume and brush up on your interview skills. 

• Meet with a career advisor for help with your applications including your resume review and interview prep. 

• Attend career fairs to meet with recruiters and get the inside scoop on what it’s like to work for different organizations.