Interests

From birth, we develop particular interests. These interests help shape our career paths and might even define them. Good career exploration begins with considering what you like to do and relating that to your career choices. For example, if you enjoyed writing for your high school newspaper, you might be interested in writing for the college newspaper with an eye on a career in journalism. On the flip side, you might enroll in Psych 101 if you have an interest in human behavior, but then realize halfway through the course that psychology is not what you imagined and that you have no desire to become a psychologist. Because your interests are unique to you, you are the only person who should determine what you want to do in the future.

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Thinking Things Through
Your experiences in college will help you make thoughtful decisions about your future.
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Make Good Choices

Let Previous Work Experience Guide Future Career Choices

What kinds of jobs have you had, either for pay or as a volunteer? Why did you choose those jobs? Which of them was your favorite, and which did you dislike? How could your prior job experience help you make good choices in the future? Be prepared to discuss your ideas in class and offer thoughts about what your work experience has taught you about yourself and which careers you should choose—or avoid—in the future.