Although we speak of “choosing a career,” students are really choosing an experience—an internship, a job, or a graduate or professional school program—that will take them to their next career decision. For a few, this next decision may be 40 years away, but for the vast majority their ‘career’ will consist of a series of jobs that may, or may not, be closely related. The Department of Labor indicates that, on average, people will have 10 different jobs between the ages of 18-42, often in very different fields.
College students should not be concerned that any decision they make now is going to change their lives immutably, for this is not the case. However, decisions should ideally be based on an assessment of the student’s interests and abilities, as well as of the kind of environment most likely to suit him or her. Such an assessment requires that students learn about the fields most likely to appeal. Career counseling and alumni mentoring can help students refine ideas and develop a plan. Where possible, real-life experiences can confirm an idea, or offer reasons for re-direction. Through all of these stages, UCS is here to help the student to identify and connect with his or her chosen career, as well as to assist when the next career decision appears.
The following resources will help to answer some of the most common questions parents may have about our students and their selection of a career. In addition, we have addressed some of the most common ‘myths’ regarding students’ career choices.
