Making the best decisions on your major and your career takes a PLAN, and YOU are the only one who can make it happen. Here are some steps you can take to be sure that you are on the right track for career success!
1) GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
- Meet with a Career Services counselor to help identify your interests, values, and abilities and talk about how they relate to career choices
- Take a career assessment “test” in Career Services and/or use the DISCOVER computer program
- Test your interests through courses, volunteer jobs, student activities, and summer work
- Begin to identify what is important to you in a job and your future life goals
- Identify majors that relate to your abilities and interests
2) GET TO KNOW YOUR CAREER OPTIONS
- Obtain information about occupations using the Internet, the library, Career Services Resource Room, DISCOVER program, etc.
- Interview friends and family about the nature of their jobs
- Attend meetings of student professional organizations
- Target electives that will make you more employable
- Explore relevant experiences such as internships, summer and part-time jobs, volunteer activities, and organizations on and off campus
3) GET ON THE PATH TO THE BEST OPTION(S) FOR YOU
- Interview people in areas that interest you about the nature of their jobs
- Develop relationships with faculty and professionals in your field
- Continue to increase your skills through meaningful activities and work
- Attend career and job fairs to learn more about organizations hiring in your major and interview for internships
- Learn about job search strategies and use them to land a good internship
4) PUT YOUR PLAN INTO ACTION
- Research companies and organizations that do the type of work you are interested in; use the Internet, Career Services, the library and other sources
- Target the type of job and employer you want to work for
- Create a resume that will effectively sell your skills to employers
- Sharpen your skills in writing cover letters and interviewing by attending workshops and using resources in Career Services
- Attend local job fairs and Career Days at University Park
- Network with professionals and Penn State alumni in your field
- Always follow up on contacts, interviews and letters you have sent