Staff members in Career Services encourage students to think carefully about career options and to choose a career that is going to be “right” for them: one that closely matches their natural abilities, skills, personality, interests, and values, and potentially a host of other factors that may vary by family and circumstances. Integrating these factors requires reflection and prioritizing one’s goals. The summer months may offer a great opportunity for students to consider long-term options that extend beyond the next semester at school.

These are reflection questions your student may consider:

• What activities do I most enjoy? (both academic and extra-curricular)
• What do I get absorbed in doing – so much so that I lose track of time?
• What comes so easily that it feels like breathing to me?
• How would my friends describe what I am good at?
• What needs to be done in the world? How/Where would I contribute?

Encourage them to examine:

• A major decision they have made
• The contributing factors in that decision
• How they would prioritize those factors

As you can probably surmise, this is both subjective and an ongoing process rather than an operation of data analysis; it may require an investment of time to bring this decision to closure. Simultaneously, this is a period of growth and transition for young adults as they mature and recognize the importance of doing what’s best for themselves. A decision from the internal/intuitive perspective will ultimately result in a more fulfilling career.

Click here for a summary of recommended action steps which follow your student from freshman through senior year.