Career Exploration

Picking a course of study and then ultimately a career path can be difficult. Do research to determine what careers interest you.

Career Assessments - Most colleges have a career center or a career counselor available on campus. These offices often provide free career assessment tests and skills and interests surveys. Check with your school about taking a career assessment test or making an appointment to speak to a career counselor. The following is a list of career centers at Arizona's major universities:

University of Arizona Career Services

Arizona State University Career Services

Northern Arizona University Student Success Center

Career Exploration –Not sure what type of career is for you? The following websites provide helpful information for researching careers, job growth, and future opportunity:

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Information

College Board's Colleges & Careers Central

Additional Career Research – Obtain a part-time or volunteer position in the career field you have choosen. If you have decided to become a doctor or nurse, volunteer at a local hospital or obtain a position as a nurse's aide. If you want a career in business, obtain a retail sales position. Not only will these position give you valuable insight, but you'll gain experience you can add to your resume!

Talk to someone currently working in the career that interests you. Ask questions about the type of work, the positive and negative aspects of the job, career advancement, and opportunities. You may get inciteful information, such as 'if I had it to do over, I would have...focused on these studies, obtained this experience while in college, gotten this certification, etc...

Remember to use the information that you have collected to determine your educational and career goals. Your plan for obtaining these goals should also reflect your new career apirations. Evaluate your progress and make changes to your plan as things change in your life.