- Reflect on your past experiences to explore what you enjoy, what you do well, and what is important to you.
- Explore interests through volunteer work, job shadowing, coursework, and joining student activities.
- Consider taking the Focus 2 career assessment.
- Meet with a career counselor to identify interests, values, and abilities and clarify your career goals.
- Research a variety of career options of interest. Use online resources and learn more about career fields.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*Net Online
- CareerOneStop Career Videos
- GoinGlobal
Sign in to Nittany Lion Careers to access GoinGlobal (click on the Resources tab)
- Conduct informational interviews or job shadow professionals in a field of interest to learn more about day-to-day operations and what skills are of value.
- Take on leadership roles in campus and community organizations to develop teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Obtain relevant experience by pursuing internships, part-time work, summer jobs, and research opportunities.
- Expand your understanding of diversity through study abroad, foreign languages, community services, and cultural activities on campus.
- Attend career programs and events.
- Track your accomplishments and achievements to include in your resume, cover letter, and portfolio.
- Meet with a career counselor to develop your job search strategy, update your resume, and practice your interviewing skills.
- Network with alumni and employers to build contacts and learn about an industry of interest.
Reflecting on the connections between your current knowledge and experiences, values, and your vision for the future can help you identify career areas to explore.
Exploration can take many forms, all of which require you to be active in gathering information and applying it to make informed career decisions.
Consider ways to gain exposure and get involved with career options that seem interesting to you.
Your resume, cover letter, and interview skills are some of the first impressions that you give a potential employer. Prepare and present yourself in a way that highlights the skills, experiences, and qualities that the employer or graduate school is seeking.