Career Clarity – Finding Your Path Starts Here

Are you feeling unsure about your career direction? Wondering how to choose a path that fits—not just your résumé, but your values, identity, and life story?
You’re not alone. Career indecision and career-related stress are among the most common struggles college students face. But choosing a direction doesn’t have to be about picking the “perfect” major or job title—it can be about discovering what matters most to you and designing a life that reflects it.

That’s why the Counseling & Wellness Center is teaming up with the Career Connections Center to offer a new 10-session experience:
Career Clarity & Life Direction

This is not your typical career group.

This is a space for students who want more than just a job—they want a path that feels right. Over the course of 10 weeks, you’ll join a small group of peers in creative, thought-provoking sessions that help you uncover the deeper influences behind your career decisions, identify your unique strengths and motivations, and connect with what actually leads to fulfillment (based on real research, not just opinions).

Through guided reflection, expressive activities, and meaningful conversations, you’ll begin to answer big questions like:

  • What shaped the way I think about success?
  • What do I actually value in work—and in life?
  • What strengths do I bring to the table?
  • What really makes people happy in their careers?
  • What’s getting in my way—and how do I move forward?

The goal of the group is to help you

  1. Get a clearer sense of what matters most to you so you can create a career path attuned to your values, strengths, and motivations
  2. Draft out concrete, realistic action steps to help you shape your UF experience with confidence

The Journey: What We’ll Explore Each Week

Here’s a quick peek at what our 10-session journey will include:

  1. What Shaped Me? Reflect on family and cultural messages about work using a Career Genogram.
  2. What Truly Matters? Clarify your personal values—and how they connect to meaningful work.
  3. What Do I Bring to the Table? Explore your skills, strengths, and the things you love doing.
  4. Uncovering Hidden Stories. Use creative tools like sand tray or collage to surface career narratives.
  5. Why Do I Do What I Do? Map your motivations with tools like Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle.
  6. What Actually Leads to Happiness? Explore research on satisfaction, purpose, and real-world fulfillment.
  7. Who Am I in the World? Map possible future selves and use tools like O*NET or Strong Interest Inventory.
  8. What Gets in My Way? Identify internal and external blocks—and learn tools for building courage.
  9. See Your Path Clearly Create a “Life Vision” collage to picture your future.
  10. What Now? Set SMART goals anchored in your insights—and close the group with intention.

Who Should Join?

This group is for UF students who are:
• Feeling stuck, undecided, or stressed about career choices
• Looking for deeper clarity—not just what job to do, but why
• Curious about how your background has shaped your path
• Wanting a supportive, nonjudgmental space to explore options
• Ready to take intentional steps toward a life that aligns with your values

How to Join

Career Clarity & Life Direction is offered at select times during the semester. Space is limited to ensure a small-group feel.
To express interest or learn more, contact the Counseling & Wellness Center at 352-392-1575 (M-F, 8am, 5pm) for a brief consultation.
Please have your student ID on-hand when calling or visit https://counseling.ufl.edu/services/consultations/
Your story matters. Let’s map your meaning—together.

By Peggy Rios
Peggy Rios