Ask yourself the following career questions
Take advantage of WSU Vancouver's resources to help you answer them.
- Where do you plan to be in your career in five years? In ten years?
- Do you think that you are aware of all the career opportunities in your area of study?
- Do you know a specific industry/company that you are pursuing?
- Are you certain of the pathway and the credentials needed for the career that you want?
Here are some ideas from the University of North Carolina Wilmington of what you can do with different majors. You can check it out now or bookmark the website to come back to later.
Career preparation starts now, not at the end of your undergraduate career. Students who take advantage of internships and career-related opportunities on campus have more success in the job market than those who do not.
Here are some questions for you to consider as you prepare for your future internships and jobs:
- What skills (both soft and technical) will you need to reach your career goals? Are you in the right academic track to learn these skills? Do jobs in this field require a Bachelor's degree, or a graduate degree (psychologists, for example, must hold a doctoral degree)?
- How do your resume and networking abilities communicate your skills and strengths to a potential employer? How does an employer differentiate applicants and how will they differentiate you?
- What are your strategies for finding jobs? What are the most likely entry positions for your career path?
- What are your expectations for salary, benefits, and balance with your personal life (job location, family needs, etc.)? What are the normal pay and benefits offered in your career path? What are the normal expectations of time and effort?
We encourage you to start asking yourself these questions immediately and to take advantage of WSU Vancouver's resources to help you answer them. Make sure to discuss your career goals with your academic advisor. Attend our career fairs and career-related workshops on campus each year, and access online career resources on the Career Action Center webpage. The Career Counselor at the Engaged Learning and Career Action Center for Students (ELCA) can also discuss a variety of career-related issues with you (360-546-9155 or van.elca@wsu.edu).
Before your advising appointment, think about what your top two ideal careers would be. Please write these down and bring them to your appointment.