The Exploring Career Options community is designed to help you reflect on your interests, strengths, and values while equipping you with tools and resources to navigate career possibilities. Whether you have no idea where to start or are narrowing down your choices, this community supports you in making informed decisions and taking ownership of your career journey.
Things to Consider
Major ≠ Career: Your major does not dictate your career; many paths are available regardless of your degree. Your major along with your experiences provides skills and knowledge that can be applied to various fields.
Decision Paralysis: Feeling overwhelmed? Focus on creating a shortlist of three options to explore.
Control What You Can: Career planning involves uncertainty—focus on what is within your control.
Exploration Takes Time: Career planning is an ongoing process; you won’t have all the answers immediately.
Guiding Questions for Self-Reflection
What careers have you considered? What interests you about them?
What industries or companies excite you?
What subjects or activities do you enjoy, and how do they relate to potential careers?
What values are most important to you in a job (e.g., flexibility, creativity, impact)?
Have you explored internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities related to your interests?
What work environment do you thrive in?
How do you define success in your career?
Resources to Support Your Career Exploration
Discover helpful tools and guidance to navigate your career journey. Whether you’re exploring majors, researching industries, or identifying potential career paths, these resources are designed to support your self-guided career planning.
Research career paths for different majors that show the possible career paths that align with your values and interests.
Complete virtual job simulations to explore career options.
Connect with UF alumni for informational interviews to explore career paths.
Explore career paths of UF graduates using the LinkedIn alumni tool.
Get salary data, job market trends, and industry insights to make informed career decisions.
Taking Action: Next Steps
You don’t have to do them all—just the ones that resonate with you or help you gather the insights you need. You are the author of your life, and only you know what will help you design a path that feels right. Explore, reflect, and take action in a way that works for you!
Reach out to professionals via Gator Network & LinkedIn to conduct informational interviews to make informed career decisions based on professional knowledge in the real world.
Observe professionals in your fields of interest to see if the career is right for you.
Gain hands-on experience in potential career fields through internships, co-ops, work based experiences.
Try free, real-world job simulations from top companies to build skills and experience and explore careers of interest to you.
Gain hands-on experience, develop career-ready skills, and connect with peers and professionals, helping you explore career options in a supportive, real-world environment.
Learn more about volunteering opportunities that allow you to explore career paths while gaining hands-on experience and making a positive impact.
Your career exploration journey is unique, and you have the power to shape it. Utilize the resources available, create connections, and take small steps to gain clarity on your future career path. Remember, this is an ongoing process, and every experience brings new insights. Keep exploring, learning, and growing!
Still need support? Find a Career Coach who aligns with your needs and can provide personalized guidance to help you move forward!
