Selecting a Major/Degree and Planning Your Career

Selecting your major and planning a career path can be a challenging decision. The Career Center can assist you in making this decision in a number of ways:

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 students make informed decisions. Additionally, tools for resume writing and interview practice help prepare you for your career. To access the Choices website, contact the Career Advisor from your college for the URL, site ID and password by calling the Loop (312) 362-8437 or Lincoln Park Campus (773) 325-7431.

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:

1. Attend a Career Center workshop such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), The Strong Interest Inventory, Skills and Accomplishments or Work Values.
2. Take the assessments online. Please contact the appropriate advisor below to receive initial screening and receive a password.

In each case, you will receive a personal profile and will learn how this information correlates to your major and/or career choice. 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 DePaul University alumni whom you can speak to and gain advice from regarding your career related questions.

1. Attend the Networking Skills workshop.
2. Attend a Career Networking Event that focuses on your major or area of interest.
3. Connect with an alumni mentor through Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK). Gain access to the database of ASK volunteers through eRecruiting (click on the option Mentors.)
4. 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 eRecruiting
5. Meet with a Career Advisor to discuss your career path and learn how to connect with alumni and professional contacts.

What Can I Do with This Major or Degree?

Learn how to apply your major to specific career areas, what types of employers are hiring for different majors, and strategies for breaking into particular fields. Select the major you have interest in below for more information:

Conducting Additional Career Research

Learn more about different types of careers and how different majors 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.