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
- Get to know faculty in your major of interest and visit them during office hours.
- Speak with juniors and seniors in majors you’re interested in.
- Review course descriptions in the course catalog and meet with your academic advisor
to discuss major requirements.
- Schedule an appointment with the degree planner to make sure you are on track to graduate
within a timeline that works for you.
- Think about campus clubs and organizations you would like to join. Attend meetings
and actively participate.
Majors and concentrations available at the University of Dallas
Clubs and organizations available at the University of Dallas
Step Two: Figure out who you are & 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
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Focus2 is an online major & career matching quiz. Focus2 will give you ideas about
what majors and careers might be interesting to you. Sign up below.
- Complete all five (5) self assessments
- Schedule a Career Exploration (Focus2) appointment on Handshake to discuss your results.
First Time Users Create a New Account Username: UD email address Access Code: Groundhog
Returning Users Login Here
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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.
Access here.
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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 their
career options.
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Other Exploration Resources:
- 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.
- Find alumni on LinkedIn and explore their careers! Find our how-to-video here.
Step Three: Gain experience to figure out what you like (or don't)
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
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Research companies and organizations you have heard good things about or have an interest
in.
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Explore active jobs, internships, and volunteer posting on Handshake.
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Polish up or write your resume and brush up on your interview skills.
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Meet with a career advisor for help with your applications including your resume review
and interview prep.
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Attend career fairs to meet with recruiters and get the inside scoop on what it’s
like to work for different organizations.
Check out our Major and Career Exploration Guide: