Finding a career path may seem easy for some people and yet the hardest decision in the world for others. Everybody goes about the process differently and makes the choices they make for very different reasons. There is no “one right answer,” and more than one major can lead to the same type of work. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to not know what to do after St. Olaf-to explore and take your time to find out where your interests, values, and skills really lie before jumping into something you’re not sure of. Most people change jobs and careers an average of eight to ten times in their lifetime!
Where Are You in the Process of Developing a Career Path?
Click on one of the statements below that best fits you to find potential resources or answers to your question. Or, look at the bottom of this page to find quick links for information you need.
- I don’t know what I’m interested in…
- I don’t have any idea what types of careers are out there…
- I have some career areas in mind but need to know more about them…
- I want to know what I can do with my major…
- I know my general career direction but not how to get there…
- I think I’ve decided on a career direction. How can I be sure I find the right fit?
Descriptions of Careers
- Sp
otlight on Careers – a Liberal Arts Career NetWORK (LACN) sponsored site for career advice for off-campus use (username: spotlightkey; password: lacn18) - O*NET – provides comprehensive occupational descriptions and data
- Occupational Outlook Handbook – search hundreds of different types of jobs and learn the training and education needed, earnings, expected job prospects, what workers do on the job and working conditions
- CAREERwise – Minnesota’s career, education, and job resource
- Career Stories – job descriptions and advice from hundreds of people working in real jobs
Majors Connected With Careers
- Online Alumni Directory – Search database by major to see what alums are doing
- What Can I Do With This Major? (University of Tennessee)
- What can I do with a major in . . . (Univeristy of North Carolina at Wilmington)
- Employers by Major (Buzzfile) – Search for employers by major, by state, or by industry
Other “Exploring” Resources (Visit the Piper Center to find out more about any of these experiential learning opportunities)
- Job Shadowing
- Informational Interviewing
- Get an internship
- Get a part-time or summer job in your interest area.
- Volunteer in some occupational interest area.
- Join a student organization that relates to an occupational interest area.
- See what it’s like starting up your own business with a entrepreneurial grant.
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