Career and educational exploration is the second stage of the Career Development Pathway which involves conducting research and using a variety of resources and tools to discover potential careers and professions of interest to you. Career conversations, aka informational interviews, are a terrific way to start building a network of people in jobs and industries that you are considering.
Experiential learning is another step in this stage. Experiential learning provides an opportunity for you to shadow a job, find an internship, study abroad, conduct research, or volunteer to explore your interests. It is also an opportunity to undertake more career conversations with professionals at work. During this particularly important stage, you will start understanding how your interests, personality, skills, and values relate to careers, career paths, and work environments. You can begin making realistic decisions for your career journey.
What is Experiential learning?
Experiential learning (EL) is learning by engaging in hands-on projects or work. Students who engage in experiential learning can apply their academic curriculum and theory to real-world work.
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Ways to Explore Careers & opportunities
Step 1: Research Your Opportunities
Undertaking research on career options will help you match your abilities, interests, and salary needs with the right career field.
Step 2: Explore Your opportunities
Now it's your turn- step into action by exploring internships, study abroad options, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Explore Your Opportunities Here
Step 3: Meet with a Professional for Advice
If needed, you can always meet with a professional staff member to help guide you through your exploration of opportunities.
Research Jobs and Careers
Identifying a career that will bring you job satisfaction, personal reward, and a dependable income requires careful research. Undertaking research on career options will help you match your abilities, interests, and salary needs with the right career field.
What Can I Do With This Major?
What Can I Do With This Major is an online resource designed to help you connect your major to different careers. You have access to view typical career areas, types of employers that hire within each major, as well as strategies to increase marketability.
CandidCareer
CandidCareer is the premier provider of thousands of searchable informational video interviews featuring industry professionals talking about their jobs and offering career tips. You will also have access to UToledo alum videos showcasing how their time at UToledo impacted their careers.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training, and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
Explore the Occupational Outlook Handbook
You can even visit job search platforms to search potential jobs that may interests you.
If you are interested in talking with a professional about various career options and what majors may be best, feel free to schedule an appointment with any of the people below:
- Career Services
- Academic Advisor
- Faculty & Staff
