Career & Major Exploration
Our career counselors are here to assist you, both in-person and remotely, with all your career needs. Whether you're exploring potential careers for your major, considering different career options, or planning a career transition, it's important to take the time to evaluate your possibilities. Finding the right career means making well-informed decisions about yourself and the opportunities available to you. We're here to support you every step of the way!
Current students use STARFISH to schedule in-person or virtual career counseling appointments. Alumni, please call the Career Development office at 508-626-4615 to schedule an appointment.
Below is the process we work through with students as we support your career exploration:
SELF-EXPLORATION
Knowing and understanding your specific and unique values, interests, personality, and skills (VIPS) is the first step in finding your ultimate career path.
- Values—what is important to you in your lifestyle?
- Interests—what do you like to do?
- Personality—what kind of environment do you want to be in?
- Skills—what are you good at?
RESEARCHING CAREERS
Once you have gone through some self-reflection it is time to determine what career suits you. While we encourage you to schedule an appointment and meet with one of our career counselors to help you through this process, there are many ways to research jobs, careers and industries on your own.
O*NET: An incredible resource showing career titles, descriptions, education requirements, potential salaries and related occupations.
MassCIS: A free resource which combines occupations, labor market, and education information to help you explore potential careers. No username and password are needed. Simply enter Framingham for the city and 01701 for the zip code and press sign in.
Networking: One of the most effective ways to find a job is through networking. You often can hear about job openings through networking contacts even before the job is advertised. Your network begins with friends, extended family, and co-workers and grows from there. Whether you are a college student or a working professional, you will benefit from establishing professional contacts in the industry or career path you plan to pursue.
Informational Interviewing: A very helpful networking tool to build strong professional contacts and explore career options. Unlike a traditional interview in which you're seeking a job or internship, the goal of informational interviewing is just that--to gather information. Think of questions to ask beforehand. For example: (1) How did they end up in their career (2) What is most rewarding or challenging about the field? (3) Does this person have some suggestions on how to get started? You're not asking for a job--you're getting advice.
LinkedIn: a social media site, “is the world’s largest professional network with over 300 million members in 200 countries and territories around the globe.” College students can begin to build an online professional presence by including brief descriptions of previous work, volunteer experience, leadership activities, completed college courses and relevant skills. Use LinkedIn to research specific organizations and discover new professional contacts in the field you plan to enter following graduation. You have many options to join specific LinkedIn groups related to your college and professional associations.
Professional associations and affiliations: Identify resources offered by specific industries through their professional associations and groups. These can be identified and researched on-line. Our career counselors are available to help you with this.
Career Fairs and Networking Events: Attend in-person and virtual events offered through the Career Development office. Speak with employers and ask questions with individuals who are here specifically to meet you.
What Can I Do With a Major In...? The University of North Carolina Wilmington has a helpful resource about exploring majors and careers.