Career Planning

Benefits of having a plan

85% of students indicate that they pursue college in order to achieve a better career. Meanwhile, 60% of incoming first-year students enter college without established major/career goals or a career plan. Career planning has been linked to:

  • increased student motivation
  • improved academic performance
  • higher likelihood of persisting through graduation
  • higher likelihood of graduating on time

If all of these things sound good to you, start working on your career plan today!

1. Take a career assessment

  • Utilize Focus 2 Career to learn more about your interests, values and personality and how they relate to careers. This assessment can be interpreted on your own, however, you can meet with a career coach if you have questions or would like help processing your results. 
  • Additional assessments are also available through the Career Development Center. Schedule a Major & Career Exploration appointment in Handshake for an intake session and more information. 

2. Research career options

In addition to the information included in the Focus 2 system, use the following resources to research career options:

3. Connect with people doing the work

After you have completed online research career options, it is time to step away from the computer and talk to professionals who actually perform the work on a daily basis. By networking with employers and performing informational interviews, you are able to gather more information about what the particular job or work environment is actually like, and if you can see yourself there.

4. Gain experience