Career Center

Exploration

Career Exploration allows an individual to gather information about themselves and their environment to determine their career preferences that will lead to satisfying careers. It is an active process that requires time and effort and recommended to take place during your Sophomore year. 

Exploration Strategies

  • Follow the AU 4-year Career Plan
  • Use people as a resource: Obtain and review information with career coaches. Talk to professors, co-workers, friends, neighbors, relatives, and even previous employers. They may be able to tell you about different job opportunities, skills needed to perform the job, or simply provide additional resources.
  • Job shadow, set up informational interviews and volunteer: Volunteer work in the particular area and or position you are interested in will allow you to not only network but to also get an in depth look at the job of choice. Informational interviews allow you to create a career network, discover employment opportunities, and gain insight into what individuals who are currently in the field of interest like, dislike, recommend, say related to the corporate culture, and describe nature of job to be.
  • Use the following steps will help you set up/conduct and informational interview:
    • Identify the major/occupation/company/industry you would like to learn more about.
    • Identify contacts: talk to friends, family, neighbors, and faculty. Use Andrews Network to locate and identify alumni.
    • Arrange the interview through email, phone, personal contact, letter, or through someone who knows the person.
    • Prepare for the interview: research the chosen major/occupation/company and develop questions about "What do I need to know to help me to better understand if this field is for me?"
    • Interview: Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be professional. The interview may be held virtually, but still ensure that you are dressed appropriately.
    • Follow Up: Immediately following the interview take some time to put together a thank you note expressing your positive thoughts regarding the interview.

Exploration Tools

Andrews Network: An online networking, mentoring and jobs board platform exclusive to the Andrews community. The Andrews Network provides a place where alumni can connect with each other and with current students. You control how involved you want to be—you can simply join and connect with a few classmates, or you can grow into an engaged mentor who offers advice and assistance to current students. As it is protected by a globally recognized privacy and security framework, you can rest assured that the Andrews Network is a secure platform. Continue scrolling below to read more about the features of the Andrews Network.

All students are encouraged to register and actively become a user on the Andrews Network. Register here.

WhatCanIDoWithThisMajor: Learn typical career areas and types of employers that hire in these fields, as well as strategies to make you a more marketable candidate.   

Occupation Insight: Get information on the skills needed for your career of choice and how your current major at Andrews University is preparing you to acquire those skills. 

LinkedIn: LinkedIn in the world's largest professional network, providing access to 830 million professionals in more than 200 territories. Successful utilization of this platform provide you with a robust network to gain insight into a vast array of industries and professions. Contact the Career Center to begin learning how to set up and optimize your LinkedIn profile today. 

O*Net Online: This platform has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by students and job seekers. Find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on your goals and needs. Then use comprehensive reports to learn about requirements, characteristics, and available opportunities for your selected occupation.

BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook:  A publication of the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics that includes information about the nature of work, working conditions, training and education, earnings and job outlook for hundreds of different occupations in the United States. The publication can be accessed online for full exploration.