Exploring Careers
Earning a graduate degree can open many doors, but how do you know which is right for you? Here are some first steps you can take:
Explore Options
Begin with our Self-Guided Career Exploration site to begin identifying your interests, skills and values, exploring your options, and getting focused.
Watch Candid Career videos to hear interviews from professionals in over 200 occupations.
Meet with an academic advisor at least once a semester to discuss your class schedule and academic requirements.
Get Connected
Get involved!
Gaining 1-2 quality experiences each semester can help you explore yourself and career opportunities.
- Check out Campus Life Night to find an organization you would like to join. Look into joining the Graduate Student Association or local professional association chapters in your field.
- Seek assistantships or on campus employment. You can make some extra cash and build your resume.
- Stop by the Office of Student Life: Civic Engagement to find volunteer and leadership opportunities connected to your interests.
Talk to others!
Friends, family, GVSU faculty/staff, and professionals in your field are all interested to hear your plans and may be able to connect you to further opportunities.
- Informational interviews are conversations with people in fields of interest for you. You can have a formal or informal discussion over the phone or Skype, via email, or in person. You can find a list of sample questions here.
- Job shadowing is observing a professional on-site during their work day. The Career Center can coach you on how to set up a job shadow.
- Create a LinkedIn account to connect with alumni in your area of interest. Check out where GVSU alums have landed.
Attend Events
- Attend Career Center events to explore the world of work with professionals in various fields.
- Check out the events calendar to learn about what’s happening on campus.
See What's Out There
Log in to Handshake with your GVSU username to explore current opportunities and employers. No need to create an account, as a student you already have one!
Considering additional graduate level education?
Are you considering a career path that requires a degree beyond a master’s level? You can learn more about graduate school planning here.
CareerLab
Feeling stuck? Come to the Career Center's CareerLab, schedule an appointment, or attend a Career Center event to learn more from a career advisor.