Career Basics

Self-Assessment
Understanding yourself is the first critical step to pursuing a meaningful career. What are your values, skills, and interests? Do you prefer working alone, on a small team, or in a large group? What type of physical setting suits you? Do you prefer being a generalist or a specialist? What type of coworkers would you prefer? There are many questions to ask yourself, and many books and resources available to assist in doing so.

Exploration
To match your interests, skills, and values to appropriate career fields and job functions, it is necessary to learn about the variety of organizations and positions. Start by perusing book and web resources, talking and meeting with people about their work, reading job descriptions, and spending time (perhaps volunteering) in your desired career field. When it is clear what type of job you want and why, you will be better equipped to market yourself.

Realizing Goals
Whether you are responding to job postings or are contacting organizations to let them know of your interest in future (or unadvertised) openings, you will need several tools including a resume and cover letter. Interview preparation and practice are critical, as is following up professionally with your interviewers and people in your network. Alumni are welcome to utilize the resources within our Career Toolbox.