Student Career Planning Advice

How college students can search for career services and information

Feb 7, 2007

Question mark sign, http://www.sxc.hu/photo/594095

So what are you going to do after you graduate? Here's some tips to help college students explore career options and find important career information and advice.

Does college graduation make you nervous because you have little idea about your career options? Don't worry-- you don't need to know how to find your dream career just yet! What you do need is some good career planning advice and information and the opportunity to explore career choices. As a college student, take the time to search for information about possible career choices, and take advantage of the career resources that are available to you as a student.

Where can you find reliable career information and advice? Here's some ideas to get you started!

Your college career counseling center. The perfect place to start is with an appointment with a college career counselor. Find out exactly what resources your school offers to help students with career planning. Careers centers typically offer free career tests to measure your interests and aptitudes. They also offer information about college internships and resume writing.
Internships. One of the best ways to develop job skills is to get an internship while you are in college, either a summer internship or an internship during the semester. Internships can help you figure out if a career choice is right for you. Here's some information about how to find an internship and what to look for in an internship.
Talk to your professors. Your professors may have specific information about career opportunities in your field. They may also have job contacts.
Research, research, research. Your career counseling center has books and other resources about career choices, and visit the library as well. In addition, surf the web in search of information about career choices and companies that interest you. You'll want to research types of jobs, the availability of jobs, job requirements, and salary ranges. Don't skimp on you research.
Informational interviews. Find someone in an industry that interests you, and set up an informational interview. This is a short interview (10-20 minutes) where you ask questions about what this career is like and how to break into this career. It's crucial for you to be polite and follow up with a thank you note. Informational interviews also are a great networking opportunity, and sometimes they can lead to internships or employment.
Job shadowing. This is an informational interview at the next level where you "shadow" someone throughout their workday to see what their career experience is like.
Job fairs for college students. Job fairs give employers a chance to visit college campuses and college students a chance to talk with employers. Job fairs are great opportunities. They also are stressful situations, so talk to a career counselor about how to prepare.

Good luck, students! Remember, you really don't need to have to have all the answers about your career right away. And while it's important to investigate possible careers while you are a student, don't focus too much on this. Enjoy your life as a college student and focus on getting an excellent education.

If you have any questions or ideas about college career planning, join the discussion!

The copyright of the article Student Career Planning Advice in Campus Life is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Student Career Planning Advice must be granted by the author in writing.