Learn How Gaining More Experience Can Help You Explore Options
There are many ways to "reality test" career options. If you're looking to make sure a career is for you, there are several ways you can enter into a decision with confidence. Observing a person in a career that your interested in, seeing the work environment, participating in typical job tasks and observing other features of a particular career are all great means to see if a career is right for you. There are many approaches to gain some experience to assist you in exploring different career options. We recommend you consider the following:
Conduct an informational interview or job shadow with someone in the field you are exploring. An informational interview would allow you to communicate with someone in a career field of interest and ask questions that would assist you in determining if it's a good fit for you. Typically you would ask a series of questions of the career professional to elicit the information you really want to know about your career. For example: "If you had to do it all over again would you choose the same career?" "What do you like best about your job?" Job shadowing would be actually following someone around for a day or several days to see what the work looks like and entails. Being a "shadow" would also give you the opportunity to ask questions of the career professional.
Volunteer at an organization that does the type of work you're exploring. Being in that environment, hearing professionals discuss topics related to that career field, networking, and reading related materials, can all assist you in making an informed decision. Use this link to find a volunteer opportunity.
Secure an internship (paid or unpaid, for credit or no credit).
Internships are valuable hands-on experiences that can be added to your resume and may open doors for you once searching for the "professional" job. An internship would allow you to gain exposure to a potential career and make valuable contacts within a particular field of interest.
Part time jobs for:
Part time jobs are also a way to explore options and gain experience that can later assist you in beginning a career. Very often part time jobs are never advertised in the newspaper or on websites so be proactive and seek out organizations who do work that interests you and approach them directly. Part time jobs are a great source of experience and you can also earn a little cash at the same time.
Don't forget about student clubs and other organizations. Most employers are looking for students who have skills other than specific job-related knowledge. They're looking for time management, communication and leadership abilities as well. Participating in clubs and organizations while in school gives you learning and growth opportunities different from those in the classroom alone. It's also a great way to test out potential career options.
An additional resource available to you at UB is the Center for Student Leadership & Community Engagement. The Center offers a variety of services to assist you in developing leadership and related skills. They offer workshops, seminars, and a variety of resources such as books and tapes that can assist you in developing valuable employability skills required in any career field you select.
