Career Exploration

Not sure what major you want to select? Questioning if the path you’re on is right for you? 

Narrowing down options or figuring out the next steps in your career goals? Review these prompts and guidelines and make an appointment with a career counselor to talk further.

Brainstorm, Assess, Reflect

Consider what you already know about yourself

  • What are you good at (skills, talents, abilities, natural aptitude)?
  • What have others noticed that you’re good at?
  • What interests/hobbies do you enjoy? How might these correlate to a career? 
  • What values/issues matter most to you? 
  • What was your desired occupation in kindergarten? Middle school? Now?
  • Take additional free inventories on Onet
  • Request additional career assessments from Career Services (MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory, CliftonStrengths)

Consider these Questions

  • Education: are you interested in grad school or learning beyond your current degree?
  • Location: where is your desired location after college (city/state, urban/rural)?
  • Income: what is a reasonable salary for your lifestyle? 
  • Environment: what is your desired work setting (large/small, for-profit/non-profit)?
  • Schedule: what are your goals for working hours, travel, and overall balance? 

Career Planning

Reach out to Career Services to meet with career staff who are dedicated to guiding you through the career exploration and planning process.

Research, Observe, Experience 

Research Career Paths

  • Use online resources found on your BrightSpace Career modules. Start with What Can I Do with this Major, Candid Careers, ONet and Labor Market Tool..
  • Review the majors offered at St. Scholastica to develop a list of majors that do and do not interest you.          
  • Meet with faculty in majors of interest.
  • Ask peers about their chosen majors. 

Network, Job Shadows and Career Conversations

  • Learn from professionals to increase your understanding of career paths
  • Write a short bio that introduces who you are and what you are hoping to learn.
  • Ask to meet with friends or family who work in professions you are considering.
  • Contact Career Services for help in connecting with alumni or other professionals who would be willing to talk with you virtually or in person. 
  • Take opportunities to go on job shadows or company tours when possible. 
  • Many graduate level programs require observation hours. Career Services has information on local healthcare observation opportunities. 
  • Attend networking events in your community or area(s) of interest.

Learn through Experience

  • Gain insights about industries, job roles and your skills by testing in practical settings.
  • Try out a variety of clubs, activities – attend the Club Crawl, contact Student Activities or visit SaintsLife to learn more about clubs that might be of interest to you. 
  • Take a variety of classes both in your field of interest and outside of your intended major.
  • Get a part-time job on or off-campus to gain work experience.
  • Reflect on causes you care about and pursue relevant volunteer experience.
  • Ask for additional responsibility or projects to gain work experience in interest areas.
  • Seek opportunities for leadership roles in classroom projects, clubs and work.
  • Pursue experiential learning – internships, research, education abroad, service learning.