Whether you are changing jobs or making a career transition, the way to make the best choice is to conduct research, talk with people in the field, and, if possible, have a trial work experience in that field. Dickinson offers the following resources to help alumni. Use them alone or in consultation with a Career Center counselor.

Career Exploration Resources

MyPlan is a self-assessment tool that guides you in career exploration. It is a starting point. It doesn't have all the answers; rather, it suggests career paths for you to explore.

Major to Career – This list of careers typically associated with various academic majors may be helpful if you are selecting a first career or changing careers. You will find a list of careers Dickinson alumni have pursued, a list of skills typically developed by people in that major, and links to web sites relevant to the major.

VAULT - vault.com is a career-information web site good for extensive career research. The site provides industry and corporate overviews as well as career information. It includes job postings, salary information and message boards for discussions of careers, industries, companies and graduate school.

Graduate and Professional School Advising – Access these lists of questions to help you decide whether to go to graduate or professional school.
For graduate school in general, http://dickinson.edu/career/student/shouldigo.html;
for health professions, http://dickinson.edu/career/student/healthcareerright.html;
and for law school, http://dickinson.edu/career/student/lawcareerrightfor%20you.html.

Job Descriptions – Online search engines find job postings that typically list the job duties and education, experience and skill requirements. Use them to research jobs.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook was developed by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides information by occupation on the nature of the work, sources of employment, job outlook and salaries.

O*NET OnLine is a web site developed for the US Department of Labor which gives job descriptions along with details on tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities, job outlook and salary information.

Networking conversations are important for learning about specific careers. Potential resources are Dickinson alumni (through the DickinsonWorks program), current or former colleagues, friends, family members or other acquaintances.

DickinsonWorks is an online network of alumni who have agreed to help students and fellow alumni with career exploration and planning by providing advice and information. The database can be searched by locale, career field or major and will generate a list of names and contact information. Note the preferred method of contact and call or email these alumni to discuss your career options.