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Wondering where to start your college and career journey? Follow these three simple steps to explore your interests, find a major you love, and gain real-world experience to help shape your future.

 

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鈥檙e interested in. 
3. Review course descriptions in the course catalog and meet with your academic advisor to discuss major requirements. 
4. 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鈥檚 ideal if you can combine all four aspects together.

YouScience

Discover your aptitudes, explore best-fit pathways, and find your purpose with YouScience. This program 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. 

O*NET Interest Profiler

Discover careers that align with your interests and explore majors and occupations that may be a good fit.

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Research careers, salaries, job growth projections, and educational requirements to make informed decisions about your future.

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鈥檚 like to work for different organizations.