Career Exploration

Resources

• Pathway U. A science-based tool designed to help you understand your interests, values, personality, and workplace preferences. It provides a predictive fit and pathways to design your educational journey towards a career and employer you will love.
• O*Net. A comprehensive database of worker attributes and job characteristics. Find in-depth information about jobs, or use a list of your skills to find matching occupations.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook. A nationally recognized source of career information produced by the U.S. Department of Labor and revised every two years. Describes working conditions, what workers do on the job, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
• Riley Guide. A gateway for job searches and career exploration, with links to more than 1,600 high-quality resources.

Although the internet can provide a seemingly infinite amount of information, the best way to find a career that is a good fit for you is to leave your laptop to meet with people who are willing to share their insights and to visit various work environments.  Do this by:

• Networking/making connections
• Conducting informational interviews
• Volunteering
• Finding a mentor (once logged in, choose “Mentor Search” in the top bar)
• Attending career events 
• Joining professional organizations

Additional Resources

• 10 Jobs That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago
• 12 Jobs That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago
• 9 High Paying Jobs That Didn't Exist 10 Years Ago
• CareerOneStop. An online resource for career exploration, training, and jobs sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• Quintessential Careers. Provides comprehensive free expert career exploration advice and a directory of links to the top career-resources websites.
• SPU Library Guide: Career, Vocation & Calling

Informational Interview Questions

1. How did you get into this field?
2. What are the responsibilities of your job?
3. What do you like most about your job? Least?
4. What skills and experiences are most important in your field?
5. What is your typical day like?
6. What organizations and online groups do you recommend I belong to?
7. What activities classes, or other parts of your college experience best prepared you for your career?
8. What is the best decision you made as an undergraduate to prepare for your professional life?
9. Which personality traits or talents do the most successful people in this position share?
10. If you were starting your career today, what would you do differently?
11. What can I do to make myself more marketable?
12. What are other related career fields?
13. What would be a typical career path in this field?
14. How did you obtain your first job?
15. Would you be willing to review my resume and offer your opinion and advice?
    (Ask this question only if you feel comfortable and the interview seems to be going well.)

Questions Relating to a Company/Organization

1. How would you describe the overall mission and goals of your organization?
2. What are the core activities and services of this department?
3. How would you describe your clients? What is important to them?
4. Where do you see growth or change occurring in the organization?
5. What are some typical entry-level job roles in this department?
6. What qualities does your company look for in the people they hire?
7. I've built a target list of organizations in this field to research. Would you be willing to look at my list and give me suggestions you might have?

Evaluating Your Information

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Would I enjoy working for this company/doing this type of work?
2. How do my personal assets meet the needs of this company/occupation?
3. What other people/organizations should I contact?