Career Exploration

Choosing a career that is right for you is a decision that takes time and effort. Career exploration is not the same as a job search. Career exploration requires self-assessment, researching career options and developing a plan to reach your unique career goals.

Step 1:

• Interests, Skills and Values?

  • What do you value in a career: income, freedom, creativity, life/work balance, power, prestige?

  • What academic, career and other interests and skills do you have?

• Consider your likes and dislikes. (Don't like writing? Then journalism may not be the career for you.) Knowing what you don't like can help eliminate options.

• What classes do you enjoy the most and why? Subjects you enjoy provide a great start for career exploration.

• What do you enjoy doing outside of class? What type of activities, volunteer work, etc., put you in the "zone" so you lose track of time?

• What is your dream job and why?

Step 2:

• Connecting Majors to Careers


Select a major, receive information on related occupations, employers and skill development strategies.



• What Can I do with a KSC Major in...?
  Select a major and receive information on related occupations, skills required and resources.

  Select a Major American Studies Anthropology Architecture Art/Graphic Design Art/Studio Art Athletic Training Biology Chemistry Communication Computer Science Economics Education/Early Childhood Education/Elementary Ed Education/Secondary Teacher Certification Education: Special Education Engineering (Transfer Programs) English Environmental Studies Film Studies Fine Art French General Science Geography Geology German Health Science - Health Promotion & Wellness Health Science - Nutrition Option Health Science - Substance Abuse/Addictions History Holocaust and Genocide Studies International Studies Journalism Management Mathematics Music Nursing Philosophy Physical Education - Exercise Science Physical Education: Teacher Certification Physics Political Science Psychology Safety and Occupational Health Applied Social Science Sociology Spanish Statistics Sustainable Product Design and Innovation Theatre and Dance - Dance Option Theatre and Dance - Theatre Options Women's Studies Writing   

• Visit ACA's Career Resource Center located in the Elliot Center. Be sure to check-out the free Connectiong Majors to Careers hand-outs.

• Search the web, including the Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net

. Gather information on the nature of the work, training/education required, future job outlook, salaries and related occupations.

• Conduct informational interviews with people in career fields that interest you.

• Observe a professional on the job through job shadowing.

• Get an internship or volunteer with an organization.

• Attend Career Connection Events, Career Fairs and Career Panels sponsored by Academic and Career Advising and outside organizations.

Step 3:

• Create a list of the pros and cons of each career you are considering. Analyze how each career fits with your interests, skills and values.

• Meet with an ACA Career Advisor who can guide you through the decision making process.

• Create a career plan to ensure you meet your career goals:

  • Choose courses/major related to career choice

  • Create a list of skills required to be successful in a career and how you will acquire these skills

  • Get involved in clubs, activities and organizations related to your career choice or those which will help you developed skills wanted by employers

  • Take part in internships, volunteer work, employment, etc. which help you gain experience, develop technical and transferrable skills, and build a professional network