A Three-Part Strategy
Here is some practical advice to get you
started identifying a professional career
path. Remember, you don't need to identify
something definitive--just a general direction. (1)
Know thyself.
What do you love to do? When are you
happiest? What college courses have you
enjoyed the most? Which courses have you done
the best in? What are you passionate about?
What are you good at? What do other people
think you are good at? What are your favorite
activities? What do you care most about? What
are your skills?
Your interests and hobbies are good
indicators of what you're likely to be good
at. One place to begin is by making a list of
what you enjoy doing, what interests you, and
so forth. Don't make the list too narrow--you
don't want to censor possible fields too
soon. Evidence of past success is also a good
indicator of your skills and abilities.
In the end, you will be happiest doing a
job you love in a field that is important to
you, even if it is not as financially
rewarding as others.
(2) Ask a Professional.
The next step is to find some practical
guidance from someone whose job it is to help
student's identify meaningful careers. Cal
State Fullerton's Career
Planning and Placement Center is the best
place to begin. You can talk to a counselor,
explore their research library, and check out
links to careers and graduate programs. They
also have an online program that takes an
inventory of your skills and interests and
offers some practical suggestions.
(3) Get some Experience.
Experience is your best teacher. The
Senior Internship is one way to experience a
field. You can always seek out entry-level or
part-time jobs in a particular field as well.
Remember, it's not forever--it's primarily
for experience and exposure.
In some fields, an internship is the best
way to get into the job market. If you're
planning to enter a professional graduate
program, the internship can help you decide
if you want to work in that field and can
strengthen your application.
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