Planning your career path can be a challenging decision. The Career Center can assist you in making this decision in a number of ways:
Career Roadmap
The Career Roadmap is a tool that can help guide the career decision–making process. Using four cyclical steps, the Roadmap helps you identify where you are in the career management process—whether it's looking to move up the corporate ladder or considering a career change—and make decisions about what to do next.
Download your copy of the Career Roadmap (PDF).
Choices Career Planner
Choices is an online career information delivery system that helps students and alumni connect and choose from a vast network of education options. Validated assessments identify skills and increase self awareness, helping you make informed decisions. Additionally, tools for resume writing and interview practice help prepare you for your career. To access the Choices website, e-mail the Career Advisor from your college (listed below) for the URL, site ID and password.
Career Assessment Tools
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Strong Interest Explorer are two assessment tools that can help you identify career paths that best suit your preferences and interests. These tools can be useful for students and alumni who are trying to select a major, career options, or make a career change. The MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory must be administered and interpreted by Career Advisors.
There are two ways to take career assessment tools:
- Take a self-assessment by attending a free Career Center workshop such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), The Strong Interest Explorer or Work Values, Work Skills.
- Take the assessments online and meet with a Career Advisor for a one-on-one interpretation of your results. You will receive an in-depth career report for each assessment. Please contact the appropriate advisor below to receive initial screening and receive a password. There is a $35 fee to take the MBTI and Strong Interest Explorer assessment tools on-line.
To find out if assessments are right for you, or to obtain more information on how to utilize the services above, please make an appointment with an advisor at (773) 325-7431 (Lincoln Park Campus) or (312) 362-8437 (Loop Campus).
Networking
Networking with an industry expert is one of the best strategies to discover what you want to do or how to plan your career path. The Career Center can help you learn what networking is, how to network and market yourself, and how to conduct informational interviews. The Career Center can also connect you with other DePaul University alumni with whom you can speak and gain advice from regarding your career related questions.
- Attend the Networking Skills workshop.
- Attend a Career Networking Event that focuses on your major or area of interest.
- Connect with an alumni mentor through Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK). Gain access to the database of ASK volunteers through DePaul.Experience (click on the option Mentors.)
- Consider securing an internship or part-time position to gain skills and experience in a field you are interested in. Browse available on campus jobs and gain access to off campus jobs through DePaul.Experience
- Meet with a Career Advisor to discuss your career path and learn how to connect with alumni and professional contacts.
Conducting Additional Career Research
Learn more about different types of careers and how different degrees correspond to particular career paths. A number of resources exist online and in the DePaul University Library:
- Career Resources and Information - Research salary information, the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a list of local job clubs and career information for diverse groups.
- DePaul University Library - Numerous books, publications and online resources are available to assist you with your career research.