CENTER

University of Louisville

CENTER
DEVELOPMENT

CENTER
DEVELOPMENT

CENTER
University of Louisville

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

University of Louisville
Houchens Building LL03 502.852.6701 louisville.edu/career

CAREER CENTER CAREER CENTER

DEVELOPMENT

CAREER Career DEVELOPMENT Planning Guide CENTER

DEVELOPMENT

CAREER CENTER CAREER CENTER

University of Louisville

What is Career Planning?

Services & Resources: Career Counseling Job Search/Employment Counseling Graduate School Advisement Career Decision Making Assessments Cards CareerLink (Online job database) What to do with a major in Series Rsum & Cover Letter Review Mock Interview Preparation On Campus Recruitment Program Professional Etiquette Dinner Annual Career Fairs Career Workshops & Events Individual Appointments & Walk-ins Online Resource Library Classroom & Group Presentations

Career planning and decision making is an on-going life long process that takes time, energy and commitment. It involves developing an awareness of your skills, abilities, values, strengths, interests and learning about the various types of occupations that exist and their requirements.

Where Do I Begin?

Start by considering the following yes/no statements: I know what my major strengths and weaknesses are. I know what my values, characteristics, and attitudes are. I know what I enjoy doing and what my interests are. I know how my major/minor translate into future careers. I know what I am looking for in a career. I am certain about the types of work that I could perform well. I know what workers do in the occupations in which I am interested.

Does UofL Offer Career Planning Assistance?

Yes! Career Development Center professionals are available to guide students and alumni in selecting an academic major; choosing potential career paths, and preparing for co-op/internships, full-time jobs, and applying to graduate school. Numerous resources are available to assist students with the career discovery process. Visit the Career Development Center and meet with a Career Coach who will assist you with the available career decision resources. If you are unsure or undecided about your career and academic program get connected to the Career Development Center early in your academic career. For additional information, visit our website: louisville.edu/career

How Can Career Counseling Help?

Meeting with a Career Coach can help you with the process of career planning and decision making. Here are some examples of when career counseling may be helpful: I am undecided about a career and Im not sure which major to select. I have so many interests that its difficult for me to narrow down my options to just one. I like courses in philosophy, but I dont know what kinds of careers it will lead to. Im an biology major, but Im not really interested in the courses I am taking. I like writing a lot and am very out-going, what kinds of careers fit with these characteristics? I am unsure about salaries and employment outlook for my selected academic program. Im really into acting and music but my family wants me to pursue another career/major. I dont really know what kind of job I want, but I know I want to go to graduate school. I really want to work in health care, but my GPA is a 2.0, and Im not sure I will be successful. I know salary shouldnt be the main factor in deciding on a career, but Im concerned about it. Most of my friends seem to be passionate about a career, I dont really enjoy school as much. I just completed an internship and now Im unsure about pursuing that as a career. How can I get information on a career, graduate school, and job search strategies? Im not sure what job titles are connected with my interests or major.

Self Discovery
Skills

Choosing a major or career may be a challenge. Interest inventories and assessment tools can help you with generating options that will best meet your needs, interests, values, skills and personality. Begin by asking yourself the following self discovery questions: What are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my most prominent skills and abilities? What skills do I want to use on the job? What skills do I need to acquire?

Values

What satisfactions do I seek in a career? In what ways must I be challenged and rewarded? In what type of work setting would I be happy?

Interests

What am I interested in doing? What activities have I enjoyed the most? What kinds of people would I like to work around? What kind of job settings would I enjoy?

Personality

What personal qualities do I possess? How will my personal style influence career choice? How will I get along with my boss/co-workers?

Career Assessments

Career assessments are best used as a starting point in making career choices. They are meant to be used in conjunction with a skilled Career Coach. Call the Career Development Center to schedule an appointment at 502.852.6701 to discuss your career related options and questions with a Career Coach and learn more about utilizing these tools as part of your career exploration and decision making process. Strong Interest Inventory: This on-line assessment helps you identify and examine your interests. It offers a list of careers and majors that match your interests that you may wish to explore further. In addition it considers how you may wish to develop your interests during your college career. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: This is a specialized on-line assessment that can help you gain understanding about your personality style. Appreciation of your personality style can help you consider if a major or career might be a good fit and help you gain insight into your communication and interaction with others in the workplace. Career Values Card Sort: This assessment is a hands-on tool which assists you in defining factors that affect your career satisfaction. It can help you identify what is most important to you, what you want in a career or work environment, as well as areas of value conflict.

Researching Careers & Majors Online

As you begin your career journey you will need to learn more about specific types of careers, job responsibilities, training and education requirements, career tracks, salary and wages, basic skills needed, etc. Explore the What Can You Do With A Major In... series of informational sheets on the Career Development Center website at: louisville.edu/career/what-can-you-do-with-a-major-in The following are a list of resources that provide you with additional reliable detailed career information: Americas Career InfoNet: acinet.org Career Key: careerkey.org Career Magazine: careermag.com My Future: myfuture.com Occupational Outlook Handbook: bls.gov./oco O*Net: online.onetcenter.org Princeton Review: princetonreview.com US Department of Labor: dol.gov Vault: vaultreports.com WetFeet.com: wetfeet.com What Color is Your Parachute?: jobhuntersbible.com Workforce Kentucky: workforcekentucky.ky.gov

Career Exploration Strategies

UofL Alternative Spring Break Service Learning International Service Learning Program Arts & Sciences Study Abroad International Center Abroad Programs StudyAbroad.com Community Engagement Volunteer/UofL Volunteer Match UofL Undergraduate Summer Research National Science Foundation Research Part-time/Full-Time Related Work Internships/Co-ops Leadership Initiatives Student Activities/Clubs/Organizations Intramural & Recreational Sports Greek Life Walt Disney World College Program University Honors Program Professional Development Workshops Non-Profit Internships/Volunteer My Experiences: Extracurricular Activities Athletics/Intramurals Course Work/Presentations Class Projects Undergraduate Research Independent Study Volunteer/Service Learning Community Service Internships Co-ops Full-time Jobs Part-time Jobs Job Shadowing Informational Interview

Learning by doing is a valuable way to research possible career paths, so plan on acquiring experiience early. Gain experience in as many of the personal/professional development opportunities listed here! Record them in the section below and examine them for themes and areas you need to improve for your career. campuslife.louisville.edu/service/altspringbreak campuslife.louisville.edu/service louisville.edu/student/islp louisville.edu/a-s/advising/studyabroad.html louisville.edu/provost/intcent/sa/sa.html studyabroad.com louisville.edu/externalaffairs/community-engagement.html louisville.edu/externalaffairs/volunteer-opportunities.html volunteermatch.org graduate.louisville.edu/pubs/srop/SROP nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu louisville.edu/career/symplicity-for-students.html louisville.edu/career/students/cooperative-education-internships campuslife.louisville.edu/leadership louisville.edu/studentactivities campuslife.louisville.edu/intramurals louisville.edu/studentactivities/greek wdwcollegeprogram.com louisville.edu/a-s/honors louisville.edu/career idealist.org Type of Participation/Level of Involvement/Skills Acquired