Career Exploration
Planning for the future can be perceived as daunting during the initial stages of educational and career exploration. However, establishing a well-defined understanding of one’s values, interests, and priorities provides a critical foundation for informed decision-making. Engaging in intentional reflection to identify personal values and non-negotiables prior to career exploration is essential, while maintaining sufficient flexibility to support ongoing personal growth and evolving perspectives. Midway University’s Department of Career Services is committed to supporting students throughout this process by providing guidance, resources, and individualized support to help navigate educational pathways, career options, and long-term personal and professional fulfillment.
Career exploration is a lifelong process that often begins prior to college and continues throughout one’s personal and professional development. This process involves identifying emerging interests, reevaluating previously held assumptions, and adapting to the evolving demands and opportunities within the professional world. To effectively engage in career exploration, students are encouraged to complete the Career Assessment available through Type Focus:
- Personality
- Interests
- Skills
- Values
- Success Factors
While these assessments provide valuable insight into individual preferences, interests, and personality traits, they represent only one component of a comprehensive career exploration process. Students are also encouraged to reflect on current or previous roles by identifying tasks they enjoy, tasks in which they demonstrate proficiency, and tasks they would like to continue performing in future positions. These tasks can be categorized based on whether they are primarily process-oriented or people-oriented and ranked from most to least preferred. Using the O*Net database to search for these tasks can help identify additional occupations and job titles that align with similar responsibilities.
Additionally, students should compile a list of essential (transferable) skills that qualify them for a wide range of roles, as well as a separate list of technical or specialized skills relevant to specific career paths. These skill inventories can serve as foundational tools when developing customized resumes and other professional application materials.
Students are also encouraged to meet with Midway University Career Services for individualized guidance in both academic major exploration and career planning. The Director of Career Services can help connect assessment results, personal interests, and skill sets to potential majors and career pathways, providing tailored support throughout the career exploration process.
How to Pick a Career
Entering Midway University as an Undecided student is perfectly acceptable. Each student must be aware of educational goals, available financial aid, and familial needs. Some majors at Midway University will require eight (8) fully structured semesters to complete the program; if a student is considering one of these programs, engage in career exploration earlier and with great intentionality. Reach out to the Career Services Office immediately for assistance.
Other majors and minors at Midway University offer the flexibility for early exploration as long as a major has been declared by the attainment of 60 course credits. A major could be decided for or against by a student taking a course or series of courses of interest to determine long term interest or fit. Students can also explore potential majors by scheduling advising appointments with faculty advisors, meeting with faculty in degree programs, and/or exploring potential careers with a guide in the industry.
Additionally, students can access “What to do with a Major in… at Midway University” through their Type Focus Account (accessible via My Midway Portal). This tool aids students as they explore different majors offered at Midway University. Students can also search by occupation and see suggested majors to explore at Midway! To take this exploration further, schedule a meeting with the Director of Career Services.
How to Pick a Career
After purposeful exploratory activities have been completed, exploratory career seekers should have the knowledge and confidence to take intentional steps in creating a personal career pathway. These steps could include engaging in informational interviews, job shadows or internships, researching industries and companies, analyzing best fit with self-identity and workplace demands, joining industry relevant associations, or attending networking events. For more assistance in choosing a career pathway, schedule a meeting with the Director of Career Services.
What Can I Do With This Major?
What Can I Do With This Major? features 100 major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, and strategies to maximize opportunities.