The IDEAL Approach to Career Development

INVESTIGATE your skills, interests, values, and attitudes. What do you really want out of life, and how will your career  goals help you lead a more satisfying and productive life?

 

DISCOVER career fields and majors.  Match your own interests to  the demands of thework world.  Make a tentative decision about a career direction.

 

EXPERIENCE potential career fields.  Volunteer, seek out an internship or practicum, visit with professionals in fields of interest.  Continue to develop relevant job skills in full-time work experiences, internships or a part-time/summer job.  Confirm or adjust career direction based on your experiences.

 

ACTIVATE your job search plan; prepare your strategies and tools.  Contact alumni and friends.  Begin developing a network of contacts.

 

LINK with employers using every available resource.  Develop a personalized search plan.  Aim to have a job offer before you graduate!