Career Planning

Career Planning Questions

Career planning experts recommend you take some time to evaluate your priorities before deciding what type of career you might want to pursue. For example, consider the following questions:

• What types of activities do you enjoy?
• Do you like to work alone or in a group?
• What type of salary do you hope to earn?
• Where would you like to live after you graduate?
• Do you want to work in a stable industry or one that’s more open to change?
• Do you want a flexible job that will allow you time to be with your spouse and children?

For a more formal self-assessment of your career preferences, check out the following resources:

• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a test measuring key personality traits and offering suggestions on possible careers.
• The Strong Interest Inventory compares your level of interest in various activities to the preferences of people who are already working in a particular career field.
• The Career Key measures interests, self-described aptitudes, and personal values to create a list of possible career options.

Choosing a Major vs. Choosing a Career

As you’re considering what type of job you hope to get after graduation, remember choosing a major isn’t necessarily the same thing as choosing a career. Although majors such as engineering do prepare you for a specific career, a liberal arts education provides many options.

For example, an English major could find work as a journalist, librarian, fact checker, research assistant, teacher, media analyst, or public relations specialist. A psychology graduate could become an advertising manager, high school guidance counselor, probation officer, sales representative, or marriage counselor. Of course, there are also thousands of people who eventually find work in a field completely unrelated to their education.

Try It On For Size

One of the best things about being a college student is the fact that you’ve still got time to explore your options. Internships, job shadowing, and volunteer work let you get a feel for what a particular career would be like before you make a full-time commitment. Your college’s career center or your department’s academic advising office can provide more information about these opportunities.

Many colleges and universities also have pre-professional organizations students can join to learn more about what it’s like to work in a particular field. For example, journalism majors can become members of the Society of Professional Journalists, female engineering students can join Society of Women Engineers, and pharmacy students can join the Student National Pharmaceutical Association. Pre-professional groups often sponsor guest speakers, field trips, résumé workshops, and other relevant career planning activities.

Comment on Career Planning

(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)

Verification Code: