Finding a career that fits your interests and aspirations can feel a bit daunting, but there are resources available to help you out. Before you start exploring careers, it’s helpful to know what a ‘career’ is:
- A major is an academic program that you focus on. Some majors prepare you for specific careers, while others prepare you for a broader industry.
- An occupation is a certain set of work activities, skills and knowledge done on an ongoing basis.
- A job is when you work in an occupation at a specific organization.
- A career is your experience or vision/aspirations related to a group of related jobs/occupations. Your career includes education, past jobs, community involvement, and hobbies that demonstrate self-development. Most people will have a few careers — they work in a few types of occupations at different times in their lives.
Explore career opportunities based on your interests and potential majors through the Office of Admissions - Majors.
Engage with your community and career services to pursue your goals.
Tools to know:
- Maroon & Gold Network: Connect with current and past UMN students and faculty.
- Handshake: Connect with current students and employers and explore job and internship opportunities.
- LinkedIn: Connect with students, alumni, faculty, employers, and institutions.
- 1-on-1 major exploration coaching with CAPE: Connect with a coach to guide you through the major exploration process.
Want to meet with a career coach? Find Your Career Center and schedule an appointment.
Exploration Resources
While some resources might be specifically targeted for students in a certain college/major, don’t feel limited to only your college’s career resources.
RATE Assessment | Reflect Articulate Translate Evaluate
Rate is a tool designed to help you reflect on your experiences, explain the skills you’ve gained, and how they can be valuable in your career. It also helps you assess how ready you are for job opportunities. Whether you have just a few minutes or more time, RATE makes it easier to prepare for interviews and networking opportunities by helping you clearly communicate your strengths.
MyCareerManagement
MyCareerManagement helps you track your career readiness and suggest different career opportunities based on your interests. It offers tools to set up goals, develop skills, and monitor your progress, making it easier to stay organized and more prepared for your career journey. This tool tailors the recommendations to align with your interests, helping you explore potential career paths.