The following model, called the "5 Es of Career Development," will help you make career decisions.

EVALUATE your values, interests, personality & skills

• What is important to you? (complete Values Worksheet)
• What are your interests? (complete the Career Liftoff in our office – this assessment will provide you with a listing of possible careers and majors that are a good fit based on your answers to this assessment)
• Describe your personality (take the MBTI personality assessment in our office)
• What are your skills?
• What, if any, are your barriers to employment? How can you overcome them? (If you aren’t sure, schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor in our office to discuss)

EXPLORE career options and majors

• What types of careers will allow you to express your values or at the very least won't conflict with them?
• What jobs do you find interesting? (Look over your Career Liftoff printout)
• Do they match your personality?
• Do you have the skills needed? If not, can you get them?
• Identify an employment or career goal (keep in mind that it will likely change)
• What major(s) will allow you to achieve your career goal?

EXPERIENCE it to help clarify and confirm your career goal

• Is there a way to try the job out to make sure it is a good fit for you?
  - Internship or part-time job
  - Temp or employment agency
  - Volunteer
  - Anything that will help you gain skills that you will need

Employers seek graduates with “real world/hands-on” experience – so don’t miss this critical step in your career development.

EMPLOYMENT

• Develop an employment action plan to focus your job search
• Use effective job search strategies (click on the "Job Search" link at left for tips)
• Research potential employers to make sure they are a good fit for you and to assure your success in an interview
• Resumes, cover letters and applications (click on the "Resumes/Cover Letters link at left for more information)
• Interview (click on the "Interviewing Skills" link at left for more information)
• Follow-up with employers

EDUCATE

• Make a commitment to being a life long learner
• Continually update your skills - take advantage of all training opportunities
• Be flexible, adaptable, and open to change
• Learn everything you can about the industry in which you have an interest; learn about the labor market and economy
• Remember that employers look for the well-rounded graduate – so build your leadership skills, embrace diversity and be prepared for today’s global economy.

Remember: Career Development is a life-long, cyclical process - NOT a one-time event.