Career Advice

On your path to find your calling, you face questions. What software skills do you need? How do I ace an interview? Do I need an advanced degree?

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I seek career advice?

    One of the best resources for receiving career guidance are career centers. College campuses usually have career centers that both students and (typically) alumni can access at any time for free. In addition to private career centers, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) also runs nearly 2,500 American Job Centers, which provide a wide variety of career services at no cost. Other sources of career advice can include speaking with experienced professionals in your chosen field and regularly meeting with a career mentor.

  • How do I find a career I love?

    While there is no one path to finding your dream job, a good way to start is by identifying your skill sets as well as your goals, passions, and values. Once you know what you can do and what’s important to you, the next step should be gathering information on any careers of interest by talking with career mentors or (where possible) shadowing, temping, or interning at pertinent companies. Even if you can’t find your ideal job with these practices right away, you’ll still build a network that can also help you find a career you’ll love.

  • How do I know if I’m in the wrong career?

    There are several signs to look out for when considering if your career isn’t the right fit for you. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is that your skills and knowledge are ill-suited for the work itself. Even if you are qualified for your position, if you regularly find yourself dreading the workweek, are completely disengaged from your tasks, and/or are constantly stressed, then it might be time to think about a career change.

  • How do I identify my skills?

    Determining what you’re skilled in is largely a process of reflecting upon both your past as well as present day work experience. Consider what tasks you excell(ed) at in your current or most recent job and what skills are/were required to do so. It’s also worth talking to your current or past coworkers, analyzing your performance review(s), and reaching out to anyone else who knows you well, as other people are often able to identify positive things about us that we’re unable to perceive.

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  1. Become. "Career Centers 101." https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/making-the-most-of-career-centers/