The Career Counseling/Planning Process

Career Counseling

Making a career decision can often be a confusing and stressful time for many students.  The choice of career options available to you may be overwhelming or you may not have a clue about the occupations out there.  Early career planning with a Career Counselor can help to alleviate some of the stress and confusion around your career decision. 

Career planning generally involves getting to know who you are, what you want, and how to get there.  Keep in mind that career planning is a continuous process that allows you to move from one stage to another stage as your life changes.  You may even find yourself going back to look at who you are again after exploring how to get there.  Learning to negotiate the career planning process now is essential, considering most people will change careers several times in a lifetime. 

Step 1: Begin by scheduling an appointment with a Career Counselor.
Discuss with your Career Counselor questions and concerns you may have regarding your major or career decision.  Your Career Counselor can suggest the next step you should take.

Step 2: The Discover Career Guidance System.
A recommended step by your Career Counselor might be to get to know yourself.  The Discover program offers interests, skills, and values inventories.  Taking stock in these three areas can help you get an idea of what you like, what you can do, and what values you hold in order to get to know yourself better.  The Discover program is offered entirely online.  A user ID can be obtained from your Career Counselor.  

Step 3: Explore your results.
Review your Discover inventory results with your Career Counselor.  Use your results as a place to begin talking with your Counselor about your skills, dreams, and motivations.  Begin to narrow down your choices or confirm a major or career decision you have already made.  After identifying potential career areas and specific occupations use your Career Counselor as resource to begin your research.

Step 4: Take action.
Once you have researched and learned about your career possibilities, it is time to do something.  Develop a career path with your Career Counselor and set goals to keep you on track.  Discuss other services the Career Center offers that may be helpful for you as you progress along your chosen career path. 

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