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Career Exploration

Find resources for your career development journey, starting with Being Curious about yourself (your interests, careers that may match them, etc.), Getting Experience (for ex., internships, research, activities, and job shadowing), and Telling Your Story (resumes, networking, interviewing, etc.).

Understanding your interests and strengths is key to job satisfaction, both in your first role and as you grow in your career.  Identifying your skills and workplace priorities will help guide your career choices.

We want to help you understand your values and preferences, find high-impact experiences, build career readiness, and connect to campus and community resources.

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Stages of Career Development

Be Curious

  1. Explore Majors and Careers: Take introductory courses in various fields to discover your interests.  Use career assessments and other online resources to learn about different professions.
  2. Attend Career Events: Participate in career events, panels, and workshops to gain insights into various industries and network with professionals.
  3. Research Industries: Stay updated on industry trends and developments by reading relevant publications and following industry leaders on social media.
  4. Conduct Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field for informal conversations about their experiences and advice.
  5. Join Professional Organizations: Engage with clubs and organizations related to your potential career path to expand your network and learn more about the field.

Get Experience

  1. Internships and micro-internships: Secure internships or micro-internships to gain hands-on experience in your field of interest.
  2. Jobs: Participate in summer, on-campus, or other jobs to gain experience and figure out what you like (and don’t like).
  3. Volunteer and Community Service: Participate in volunteer work or community service projects that align with your career interests to build relevant skills.
  4. Research Projects and Independent Studies: Engage in academic research or independent studies to deepen your understanding of your major and develop research skills.
  5. Job Shadowing: Spend time observing professionals in your desired career to understand daily responsibilities and challenges.
  6. Study Abroad and Experiential Learning: Consider studying abroad or participating in experiential learning programs to broaden your perspectives and experiences.

Tell Your Story

  1. Build a Professional Resume: Create and regularly update a resume that highlights your academic achievements, skills, and experiences.
  2. Develop a Professional Online Presence: Establish a strong LinkedIn profile and ensure other social media accounts are professional.
  3. Create a Portfolio: If applicable, build a portfolio showcasing your work, projects, or achievements in your field; these can be posted on LinkedIn.
  4. Prepare for Interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and participate in mock interviews to improve your communication skills.
  5. Network Strategically: Attend networking events, connect with alumni, and engage with industry professionals to build relationships that can support your career goals.

Helpful Resources

Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)

Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).

  • Search by Occupation Group (on the left) or using the “Search Handbook” field (top right).
  • Links to:
    • “What they do”
    • “Work Environment”
    • “How to Become One”
    • “Pay”
    • “Job Outlook”
    • “Similar Occupations”

What can I do with a major in…?

WCIDWAMI resources at the UNC Charlotte career website or the UCal Berkeley career website.

Search by major to discover information about:

  • Related career titles.
  • Related major skills.
  • Job and internship resources.
  • Career planning links.
  • Professional associations.
  • Other resources.

Online Resources

Indeed

LinkedIn

  • Connect with alumni in career fields you are interested in.
  • Follow the Saint Michael’s College LinkedIn page, with over 20k members.
    • You can check out the “Alumni” section and search by geographic area, field of work, degree, etc. to connect with members of the Saint Michael’s community.
  • You can also join the Saint Michael’s College Alumni Connections group with over 4k members to connect with alumni in your field of interest.

Career Education website (BCEC)

Handshake

The “Job & Internship Web Resources” section has links to areas of interest.

  • For example – “VT Businesses for Social Responsibility”; “Grassroots”; and “Land a Job in the Liberal Arts.”
  • Also includes “SMC subscription” resources.
    • Job
    • Internship
    • Interviewing – “Tell me about yourself”
  • From the Handshake home page click on “Career Center,” then on “Resources,” then on “Job & Internship Web Resources.”

Tips for exploring your career choices

Start with yourself

  • Consider what interests you, what you enjoy doing, and what motivates you.
    • Can include: school projects, clubs, internships, or part-time work that you liked doing.
  • Consider what’s important to you in a career, industries or causes that motivate you, and responsibilities you might enjoy having.

Research careers

  • Research careers that could meet your criteria.
  • Read up on job descriptions, salaries, job outlook, and required education and training.
  • Make a list of your top choices (and eliminate careers that don’t appeal to you).

Speak to people in the field

  • Use LinkedIn, professors, colleagues/classmates, and other contacts.

Get involved in the workplace

  • Consider job shadowing, volunteering, or part-time work if it fits your schedule.

Revisit your choices and determine your next steps

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