Three-Step Process: choose a career
CAREER PLANNING PYRAMID
Disclaimer: The following three-step process is fairly simple, but it will take some time and energy to follow-through and plan your future.
Step One: Self-Assessment(take a look at your interests, values, personality and abilities). Check out www.keirsey.com for an on-line assessment. For more in-depth self-awareness activities and "tests" attend one of our scheduled workshops or schedule an individual appointment with Career Services. We can get you on track!
Step Two: Career Exploration(research careers/occupations/majors that meet your interests, values, personality and abilities).
Check out www.careers.msn.com, (learn about various careers), www.onetcenter.org (various career resource/information linked to this site).
Other career gathering tips: (career researching is on-going)
*Talk to someone (friend, relative, alumnus) in the occupation in which you're interested. Prepare a list of questions. Meet with a professor in the major.
*Job Shadow a professional for a couple of hours or half-day. Observe, interact and inquire.
*Volunteer in the field to "experience" what the environment and occupation is like.
Step Three: Action Plan(state your goals, choose a major)
*Once you've selected a career (occupation) work with career services to select a major that best fits your goal.
*Finalize your educational plans. Does your field of interest required a master's or professional degree? Certification?
*Set goals on how you're going to obtain hands-on related experience (volunteering, interning, working in the summer, etc.).
*Job Shadow a professional for a couple of hours or half-day. Observe, interact and inquire.
*Volunteer in the field to "experience" what the environment and occupation is like.
The career exploration and information gathering step continues. Remember to volunteer, intern, obtain a summer position related to your field of interest. Get involved with a club or organization - build your leadership skills.
Good Luck!
Julie Barris, career services director, careerservices@francis.edu
Beth McGregor, student career coordinator, careerservices@francis.edu