Career Development Cycle: Exploring Careers

Exploring Careers focuses on collecting information about possible career paths that might interest you and are a good match for what you now know of yourself. While what you explore is up to you, we can help with online resources, events, and advice if you get stuck. 

Goals 

  • Research fields and career paths that align with your interests, values, personality, and skills. Develop a short list; we suggest 3-6 careers, industries, job titles, or organizations. 
  • Learn about any education or skill requirements for each field or career path. Modify your list as needed. 
  • Identify ways you can gain relevant first-hand experience. This can include internships, practica, volunteer work, part-time jobs, research projects, experiential courses, and more. 

Suggested Steps 

  • Use online tools (including those available from the CCD, like Vault and What Can I do with a Major) to learn more about career options, employers, and entry-level roles. 
  • Set up (or update) your profiles> on LinkedIn and BU Connects to explore career paths you’re interested in and to build your professional network. 
  • Conduct informational interviews with alumni and others in your network to learn from an insider. 
  • If additional education is an interest or goal, research degree programs and identify BU faculty you can speak with about the field. 

More To Explore 

  • Learn more about gaining experience through experiential learning programs at BU 
  • Learn more about professional networks, from the basics of networking and informational interviewing to tips and advice on our blog. 
  • Read more about pursuing additional education, including questions to consider before deciding if and when to apply. 

Exploring Careers and Career Readiness 

Use this as a general guide to understanding what employers are looking for in applicants. Assess for yourself if these are areas in which you feel strong. If not, how can you begin building this competency? 

  • Career and Self-Development: Demonstrate curiosity and eagerness to learn 
  • Communication: Ask appropriate questions and communicate desired field using sound logic 
  • Critical Thinking: Analyze information from a variety of sources and made reasoned decisions 
  • Technology: Use appropriate and reputable resources to accomplish research 

For more information and additional examples, view the full list of Career Readiness Competencies. 

Self Discovery
Exploring Careers
Building Skills
Making it Happen