Discovering your Passion
Reflecting & Evaluating Your Strengths
- What activities, subjects, or causes energize you? Think about classes, clubs, or personal hobbies that you truly enjoy, or things you are naturally good at. Consider skills that others notice in you—communication, problem-solving, creativity—and how they could translate into a career.
Explore Career Paths
Research industries that align with your passions. Are you drawn to fields like marketing, healthcare, technology, or hospitality?
Example: You might realize that you love creative writing and enjoy communicating with people. A career in marketing, advertising, or content creation could be a great fit for you.
Career Goal Examples
Beginner Jobs
Professional Jobs
Professional Jobs
"My goal is to get a waitress job at a restaurant by the second semester."
Steps:
- Research local restaurants and identify ones with a positive work environment.
- Prepare a resume highlighting customer service or food-related experience, even if informal (e.g., volunteering or school events).
- Apply to at least five restaurants by the end of the current semester.
- Practice common interview questions for waitstaff positions.
- Set a timeline: Secure a position before the second semester begins.
Professional Jobs
Professional Jobs
Professional Jobs
"My goal is to secure a marketing internship for this upcoming summer."
Steps:
- Identify companies that offer marketing internships and align with your interests (e.g., tech firms, ad agencies, or non-profits).
- Set a location preference (local or remote) and research company cultures to find the best fit.
- Outline how many hours per week you can commit to the internship and what you hope to gain (e.g., building your portfolio or networking).
- Determine a reasonable salary or stipend that makes the internship worthwhile, considering costs like commuting or living expenses.
- Develop a strong application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to the marketing field, highlighting relevant coursework and any previous project work.
- Set a timeline: Submit applications by early spring, aiming for a position to start in May or June.
Crafting Your Career Goals
Research Your Ideal Work Environment
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
Research Your Ideal Work Environment
Consider the type of company or industry that excites you. Do you prefer large corporations, startups, or non-profits?
Define Your Work-Life Balance
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
Research Your Ideal Work Environment
Determine how many hours you’re willing to work. For a part-time job, maybe it’s 15-20 hours per week. For an internship, you might aim for a full-time experience during the summer.
Identify Salary Expectations
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
Consider what income level would make the job or internship worthwhile. Factor in your living costs, transportation, and how the experience aligns with your long-term career goals.
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
List the Skills & Experience You'll Gain
Clarify what skills you’ll build, whether it’s customer service in a restaurant role or content creation in a marketing internship. Knowing this will help you stay focused on what you’re working toward.