What If I’m Unsure About My Career Path?
Picking a major and/or deciding on a career or graduate school is a big decision! Remember, there is no right major so pick something that motivates you to succeed, the rest you will build along the way. Need some inspiration? Explore below to learn more about the competencies that employers look for (hint; you’ll learn these while earning your liberal arts degree) and the tools and resources available to help you reflect on a pathway that is a good fit for you.
Career Readiness Competencies (adapted from National Association of Colleges & Employers)
Critical Thinking | Your ability to demonstrate problem solving and logic |
Professionalism | Your ability to understand and meet industry culture and expectations – from working autonomously to appropriate dress |
Communication | Your ability to demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, from public speaking to emails |
Teamwork | Your ability to collaborate with your team/supervisor(s) in order to accomplish tasks at hand, and/or accomplish your share of work |
Leadership | Your ability to demonstrate leadership qualities and skills by setting an example and/or leading the way |
Digital Technology | Your ability to utilize technology- from internet researching to using specific computer programs like Excel |
Career Management | Your ability to articulate your strengths and areas for improvement, and to know when ask for more responsibility |
Intercultural Fluency | Your ability to value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures as well as understand individuals’ differences |
Major/Job Exploration Tools
- What Can I Do With This Major? | A website for career exploration based on major
- Focus 2 | An assessment tool that generates UR major suggestions
- CareerShift | Exclusive job search platform that pulls from every platform online
- Bureau of Labor Statistics | A national database of professions
- O*Net Online | A tool for exploration and analysis of careers
Related Resources
Chart Your Journey | A different take on what makes you successful from Forbes Magazine.
How to Explore Majors | A reflective guide from CollegeBoard.org
How to Choose a Grad School | A step-by-step guide from Princeton Review.
Graduating During the Pandemic? | Read these six suggestions from The Muse.