Advising: Career Counseling: Choosing a Career
Choosing a career involves a great deal of thought and personal reflection. The sooner one has an idea in mind the easier it is to prepare for the future. However, many students enter college with a biology major in mind and little idea as to what to do after graduation. This section provides a simple method by which a student unsure of his/her future career might approach making this decision.
Basic Approach to Career Planning (5 Steps)
- Personal Inventory
- Explore Options
- Education
- Pre-Career Experience
- Seek/Find Employment
Personal Inventory
Interests, experiences, abilities and desired lifestyles should all be a part of your career planning decisions. Take time to reflect on your interests. Have there been classes or subjects which you have found especially intriguing or that have come easily to you? Have you had work experiences that you really enjoyed or found rewarding? Is a specific lifestyle important to you? What is your value system? Some or all of these factors may be important for developing your career path. Take stock of these questions and formulate some ideas as to how they might help in your decision,
Explore Options
It is important to explore the possibilities of obtaining the career you choose. Where are these positions available" What sort of education or training is required to meet the qualifications? Where can you receive the education or training and what will be the cost? What are entry level salaries and what is the potential for growth?
Education
Once your education plans are set it is best to meet with an adviser to discuss your post-graduate plans and devise a method for getting the most from your educational experience. Structuring your studies to meet your goals can be important for your development into an attractive candidate for your position of choice.
Pre-Career Experience
During the course of your education you will have the opportunity to "jump start" your career by gaining pre-career experience. This experience may take many forms, but, most often it involves internships, assistantships and independent student research projects. These opportunities allow you to gain valuable experience in your field of choice. Pre-career experience is crucial to a successful job search in the competitive market which now exists.
Seek/Find Employment
As you approach the end of your education the time will come for you to begin your job search. The placement office at your school is a good start. These offices can provide you with contact names, arrange on-campus interviews and supply general employment statistics. In addition, search major newspapers and scientific journals. Job services as well as the World Wide Web can also provide many resources for listings and contacts.