You should begin the job search process by identifying your values, interests, skills, accomplishments, experience, and goals. Knowing what interests you, what you excel at, and what is important to you will help you focus on careers that are a good appropriate for you.

Values Think about things such as job security, professional status, financial rewards, and making contributions to the well being of society.

Skills Focusing on things that you are good at can give you some direction about the type of career that you will suit you best.

Interests You can identify interests by looking at enduring themes in your life -- activities that persist over time, consistent choices, or the way you spend your time.

These links provide articles, assessments, and general information that will assist you in analyzing and clarifying your career goals.

The Career Key -- Assesses your interests, skills, values, and personality, and then suggests potential career fields based on your results.

TypeFocus© -- Offers a free shortened version of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator.

Skills Assessment Checklist* -- Allows you to determine your most valuable skills so that you can then compare them to the skills necessary for various careers. (*This file is an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file)

Values Assessment Worksheet* -- Helps you identify your core values, which are essential to finding a good career "fit." (*This file is an Adobe Acrobat .pdf file)

Career Search Quiz* -- Take this quiz and then check your answers against the correct ones on the second page. No cheating

Self Awareness Checklist* -- Are you aware of what you want to do? Part of being ready is being aware of what you like and dislike. This assessment will help you to look at yourself.

Explore Career Options

After you have identified your goals, the next step in the job search process is to explore the "matches" between your identified skills, interests, and values and the demands of career fields and organizations. Research typical day-to-day activities, training and skills required, the job market, and salary ranges. Compare this information to what you learned about yourself during the analysis phase. How well will certain careers satisfy your interests, skills, and values? Will you be able to achieve the lifestyle you want?

No single career is likely to have the potential to utilize all your skills, allow you to develop all your interests, and incorporate a value system completely compatible with yours. However, you should look for a field that will satisfy your highest-priority needs.

Check out these links to find out more in-depth information about careers that might interest you.

What Can I Do with this Major? -- These are located on each My Major Page in the Career Development website

Occupational Outlook Handbook -- This resource from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides in-depth information about more than 200 career fields. It includes information on working conditions, earnings, and job prospects.

American Society of Association Executives' Directory -- Here you can search for professional associations that serve career fields that interest you. Association web sites often have information about careers. They are an excellent resource for networking and many have student membership programs.

Try Career Options

There are several ways to try out potential career paths:

Part-Time Jobs

Part-time jobs offer an excellent opportunity to learn about different career fields. Since it's likely that you need to work while you are in school anyway, doesn't it make sense to try to find a job that will provide some insight into your future? If you are interested in an advertising career, try to find a clerical position at an ad agency rather than in a law firm. If you want to be a medical researcher, look for a student worker job at one of the local health sciences centers. Part-time jobs aren't likely to be glamorous, but they will give you a realistic picture of the fields that interest you.

Click here for information about accessing our part-time job listings.

Internships

For many students, internship positions offer the best means of career exploration. An internship allows you to apply what you have learned in the classroom to the world of work. If you've faced the dilemma of not being able to find a job because you don't have enough experience, but not being able to gain experience because you can't find a job, then an internship may be right for you. The great advantage of internships is that most of them offer both a salary and university academic credit. You may choose to do more than one internship so that you can try out more than one career field; that is perfectly acceptable. Just be sure to check with your academic department to find out what the requirements are.

Volunteer Work

Most people think of volunteer work as something that is only appropriate for those who are interested in a career in human services or the non-profit sector. While volunteering is a great way for those people to gain experience, it may also be your best strategy if your interests lie in a field that is small or extremely competitive. If you hope to pursue a career in the entertainment business, in government and politics, or in fine arts, for instance, volunteering may help you get your foot in the door. Even if you can only give as few as five or ten hours per week, the opportunity to be exposed to the industry that you want to work in can be invaluable. Regardless of where your interests lie, working as a volunteer will strengthen your résumé and allow you to find out whether you truly enjoy the career field.

If you want to volunteer for a private company or organization, call, write, or visit them to offer your services.

If you are interested in volunteering with a community agency, visit the links below:

Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans (http://www.voagno.org/)
New Orleans Cares (http://neworleanscares.org/)
United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area (http://www.unitedwaynola.org/)