Plan Your Career Journey

Exploring career pathways and building career competencies in college is a process, and it is unique to everyone. Your career journey will take time, reflection, and a variety of experiences. Just like a final exam, this isn’t something you should “cram” for at the last minute. Starting early and engaging with the suggested resources can help you feel prepared and confident as you move through your academic program.

Below are suggested activities and experiences to help guide your journey. This isn’t a checklist or a linear timeline, but instead are suggestions to help you move forward.

Know Yourself

Career Exploration begins with self-awareness. Take time to reflect on what excites you, what you’re good at, and environments where you thrive. The following resources can help you identify your values, strengths, and interests:

  • Mind Map: Visualize your interests, experiences, values, hobbies, and skills with our Mind Map tool.
  • Values Worksheet: Identify what matters most to you and learn how your values connect to possible career paths.
  • My Next Move: Discover careers based on your interests and learn what different roles involve.
  • Coaching Appointment: Meet with a UCC coach to discuss majors and careers.
  • Career Assessments: Gain personalized insights by taking one of our assessments
    • Strong Interest Inventory (SII): Explore jobs matched to your interests
    • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Learn about your decision-making style and workplace preferences
    • CliftonStrengths (CS): Discover your top talents to help you maximize your potential

 

Explore pathways

Exploring different career options and industries is an important part of your college experience. Research majors, professions, and current trends to shape your next steps. Remember, exploration is ongoing, and you can revisit or change direction as you discover more. Try these out:

 

Get Connected

Building relationships with professionals, alumni, and employers gives you insight into potential paths and learn about opportunities in your field. Whether you’re just starting or ready to take next steps, connecting with others helps you learn what’s possible. Here are some suggestions to build your network:

 

Gain Experience and Skills

Try out what interests you, build skills, and learn what kind of work excites you. Experience can come in many forms, from student organizations to internships to short-term projects. Many students take advantage of summer to pursue these opportunities. Here are some ways to build skills: 

  • Coaching Appointment: talk through your goals and plan how to gain relevant experience
  • NACE Career Readiness Competencies: Learn what employers are looking for in new hires
  • Student organizations and/or volunteering: Get involved on campus or in the local community
  • Handshake: Find an internship or job
  • Build your brand: Shop the UCC’s Clothes Closet and take a professional headshot
  • Employer Challenge: Test your skills and gain insight into your field(s) of interests.
  • LinkedIn Learning: Explore free classes and grow your skillset
  • Micro-internships and job simulations: Explore your interests and gain short-term experience on Parker Dewey and Forage
    • International students: Be sure to check if you need work authorization for certain experiences. Visit the International Center to discuss OPT/CPT eligibility before starting an internship or micro-internship
  • Job Shadowing: Reach out via UCAN, LinkedIn, or email to inquire about job shadowing opportunities

  

Pursue Opportunities

When you’re ready to search for jobs, internships, or gap-year programs, remember: There’s no one right way to do it. Marketing your strengths, finding opportunities, and evaluating offers all take practice. And don’t forget: we’re here to help!