Choosing a Career
Your career isn’t a one-time decision—it's an ongoing journey. What you choose today won’t define your future forever, but college is the perfect time to start exploring.
Career Planning: A Journey, Not A Destination
Career planning is a continuous cycle that you'll revisit throughout your life, even after graduation. This process consists of four key stages:
- Know Yourself: Gain an understanding of your values, skills, and interests.
- Explore Options: Investigate career options that align with your self-discovery.
- Get Focused: Narrow down your choices to find a suitable career path.
- Take Action: Take steps towards achieving your career goals
Know Yourself
Start by understanding who you are - your strengths, values, interests, and personality.
Ask yourself:
- What energizes me?
- What skills do I enjoy using?
- What kind of work matters to me?
Tools & Resources:
- Take a career assessment (add link)
- Self-reflection worksheet (add link)
Explore Options
Learn about career paths, industries, and how your major connects to different opportunities.
Ask yourself:
- What can I do with my major?
- What careers align with my interests and strengths?
- What are UC alumni doing in these fields?
Tools & Resources:
- What Can I Do With This Major? (add link)
- Interstride: Explore global careers (add link)
- Guide to informational interviews (add link)
Get Focused
Once you've explored, it's time to decide what to pursue and how to prepare.
Ask yourself:
- What are my short-term and long-term goals?
- What experiences or skills do I still need?
- Who can help me plan my next steps?
Tools & Resources:
- Goal-setting worksheet (add link)
- Career timelines (add link)
- Talk with a career coach (add link)
Take Action
Start gaining experience, building your network, and preparing application materials.
Ask yourself:
- Am I ready to apply for co-ops, internships, or jobs?
- Who can I connect with in this field?
- How can I strengthen my application?
Tools & Resources:
- Handshake: Find co-ops, internships and jobs
- Resume & Cover Letter resources
- Get Experience (research, part-time work, leadership)
Career Development Is Lifelong
You’ll likely revisit each stage multiple times - and that’s normal. Your goals, interests, and opportunities will evolve. We’re here to support you at every step.
Not Sure Where to Start? You're Not Alone.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Career planning isn’t about having a perfect plan - it’s about getting curious, asking questions, and discovering what matters to you. Take the Quick Quiz: Where are you in Your Career Journey to figure out what stage you're in - and what steps to take next.