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5: Career Exploration and Degree Planning

  • Page ID
    273848

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    ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

    “Working as a student employee for New Student Orientation and Advising was one of the most meaningful experiences I had during my time at Moraine Valley Community College. I loved being able to welcome new students, help them get comfortable on campus, and share the same guidance I received when I first started. Whether I was giving campus tours, answering questions, or helping with registration, I felt like I was part of something bigger - helping others start their journey just like I did.

    The Advising Office played a huge role in my success. From my very first semester, my advisors were always there to help me choose the right classes, plan for my transfer to UIC, and stay focused on my goals. They made me feel supported every step of the way, and I honestly don’t think I would have gotten as far as I did without their guidance. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to grow, both personally and academically, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they did for me.”

    —Mohammed Jbara, former student employee and orientation leader

    CHAPTER GOALS

    As a result of engaging in this chapter, you will:

    • Review the services provided by the Counseling and Career Development Center and Academic Advising
    • Learn about the career development process, including identifying your work personality and investigating valid career exploration websites
    • Review degree program options and vital academic planning resources

    EXPLORATION AND DECISION MAKING

    As a new college student, you probably have received questions such as, “What is your major?” and “What career do you plan to pursue?” For some, you may already have an idea of what you want to be when you graduate from college. Others of you may have family members who are encouraging you to pursue a certain career path. Yet for others, you may be unsure of what you want to do when you graduate.

    Determining a career can be an overwhelming and daunting process and is one that should be given time and effort. A report published by the Education Advisory Board (Struamsheim, 2016) surveyed 10 colleges and over 78,000 students and discovered:

    • As many as 80% of students will switch majors at one point during their time in college.
    • Although it is encouraged by many to simply pick a major and stick with it, those who change their majors are more likely to graduate from college than those who settle on one the moment they arrive.

    With all the decisions you need to make as a college student, choosing a major is one of the most important things to consider. Selecting your major will define the academic path that will prepare you for your future career. Your major should match your values, interests, and personality, as well as correspond with the career you intend to pursue. Choosing a major and mapping out your academic path takes research, reflection, and planning. At Moraine Valley Community College, there are many resources available to help you along your academic journey, including Career Counseling and Academic Advising. This chapter is designed to be an introduction to the career exploration and planning process.

    • 5.1: Counseling and Career Development Center
      This page outlines the services offered by the Counseling and Career Development Center at Moraine Valley Community College, including academic, personal, and career counseling. It emphasizes the importance of aligning career options with personal interests, flexibility in major selection, and careful planning for education.
    • 5.2: Job Resource Center
      This page describes the Job Resource Center (JRC), which supports students, alumni, and community members in securing job and internship opportunities. It offers workshops to build professional skills, including assistance with resumes, interviews, and job searches. Personalized support is provided by job resource specialists, and a digital job board is accessible.
    • 5.3: Navigate Your Academic Roadmap
      This page serves as a guide for navigating academic pathways at Moraine Valley, emphasizing the alignment of program selection with career goals. It covers key topics such as degree options, course requirements, and the use of resources like academic advising. Furthermore, it outlines the steps for academic progress, from the first semester to graduation, stressing the need for regular advisor meetings and solid educational planning.
    • 5.4: Chapter Summary
      This page highlights the importance of early career preparation in college, encouraging students to assess their personalities and interests for career choices. It discusses the role of the Counseling and Career Development Center and academic advisors in providing guidance on program requirements, as well as the Job Resource Center for skills development like interviews and resumes.
    • 5.5: References


    This page titled 5: Career Exploration and Degree Planning is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by .

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