Start with a Career, Find Your Major

Already have a specific role or industry in mind? Start by researching careers that interest you - then work backward to discover which majors can help you get there. Many jobs don’t require a specific major, but understanding what employers are looking for can help you make informed academic and co-curricular decisions.

Step 1: Explore Careers 

Research responsibilities, education requirements, salary expectations, and long-term job outlooks.

  • Occupational Outlook Handbook 
    Learn what a job involves day-to-day, how much it pays, how fast it’s growing, and what kind of education or training you’ll need. A go-to source from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • O*NET Online 
    Dive deep into skills, work values, interests, and personality traits for thousands of jobs. You can search by keyword or browse based on your strengths.
  • CareerOneStop 
    Compare occupations, watch career videos, explore salaries by region, and take self-assessments. Powered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • My Next Move 
    A visually friendly site for exploring careers. Take a short interest quiz and get matched to careers that fit your personality.
  • Glassdoor 
    Browse company reviews, interview tips, and salary data straight from employees. Great for understanding what a job is really like and how much you can expect to earn.

Step 2: Connect Careers to Majors at UC 

Once you’ve found a career that interests you, explore which majors can help you get there. Many paths are flexible—your experiences, skills, and interests also shape your future.

  • Explore Majors at UC 
    Filter by interest area, college, or degree level to find programs that align with your career goals.
  • What Can I Do With This Major? 
    See common career paths and industries linked to each major. Helpful for both confirming your choice or exploring new options.
  • Talk to a Career Coach [add link] 
    Get personalized guidance on how your interests, experiences, and academic plans align with career possibilities.

Learn from Real People 

Curious about a certain job, major, or industry? One of the best ways to learn is by talking to someone who's actually doing the work.