Career Development and the College Experience
While the career development process is lifelong, choices made during the college
years are particularly significant in setting the foundation for future professional
options.
During the college experience, academic and career choices are complex as they
integrate two major considerations:
- individual development along with ongoing self-discovery and
- the current and future work environment
Better understanding of the career development process can enhance linkage
of academic and career experiences and improve career preparation and management.
Key elements of the career development process are:
- Individual self assessment as foundation for career planning
- Exploring and researching options
- Deciding and Setting Goals
- Developing a Plan and Taking Action
- Reflection and Evaluation
Whether an undergraduate or graduate student or alumni, the above elements
can be applied to meeting common career challenges - choosing a major(s),
relating a major to future opportunities, gaining internship or related experience
while in college, planning for graduate/professional school, job searching
into a particular occupation, or making a career change.
- Assess Needs
Self assessment consists of identifying and understanding interests, skills, values, personality, and motivation as foundation for decision making, planning, and taking action.
- Explore and Research Options
- Decide and Set Goals
- Plan and Act
- Reflect and Evaluate
| Career Self Assessment and Planning |
Systematically examining interests, skills, values, personality to further self understanding as foundation for career paths. |
| Internship Preparation and Search |
Identifying learning objectives, practical needs, and readiness for experiential learning opportunities. |
| Graduate/Professional School Preparation and Application |
Understanding personal needs, motivation, and personal priorities for graduate study. |
| The Job Search Process |
Self assessment of interests. |
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