Career Development is a lifelong and ongoing process. While you are a student at Marquette University, your career goals may evolve as you explore your academic interests and outside-of-the-classroom experiences.  

The Career Development steps highlighted below can be utilized while you are making strides towards crafting your career and life after Marquette.  

Step One: Know Yourself​

A well-researched career decision is best made when one becomes aware of and identifies their interest, skills, and work values. The Career Center can help you assess your interest, skills, values, and personality as you make decisions about possible careers.

Activities to consider:

• Seek out opportunities that lean towards your interests and strengths
• Reflect on your experiences inside and outside of the classroom
• Make note of strengths and skills you notice within yourself
• Consider visiting the Career Services Center

Step Two: Understanding Career Fields ​

The goal of this step is to identify possible career options which match your unique style, interests, skills, and work values. The Career Center can help you discover various methods for obtaining information about career fields so that comparisons can be made.

Activities to consider:

• Gain insights through reputable online resources, workshops, informational interviews, industry guest speakers, panels, and other career events 
• Compare your career fields of interest 
• Consider visiting the Career Services Center

Step Three: Try-on Careers

The goal of this step is test-driving a career choice to see if it is a good fit. Observing professionals and working in the field while gaining career-related experience are great methods for trying on careers. The Career Center can help you with creating or enhancing your professional documents, preparing for interviews, and looking for relevant career-related opportunities. 

Activities to consider:

• If possible, connect with professionals you know working in your field(s) of interest
• Create/update your professional documents 
• Obtain a career-related experience whether it's an internship, assistantship, co-op, part-time or summer job, or volunteer experience
• Consider visiting the Career Services Center

Step Four: Make a Decision​

After trying on careers, it is a good time to begin evaluating and selecting options which best meet the majority of your criteria. The Career Center can help you develop a map or plan which will help you progress towards your career goals.

​Activities to consider:

• Consider discussing your career goals with a supportive person  
• Begin exploring necessary next steps for progressing towards your career goals 
• Consider visiting the Career Services Center

​Step Five: Act on that Decision ​

Once you have made a decision and developed a career goal, you might be ready for your internship or job search.

​Activities to consider:

• If not already complete, create/update your professional documents
• If not already complete, seek assistance with interviewing
• If required to fulfill your career goals, explore professional school or doctoral programs
• Gain knowledge on hiring trends for your career field(s) of interest
• Consider visiting the Career Services Center

Step Six: Evaluate Your Choice ​

It is not uncommon that even after making a decision, you discover information that you had not uncovered before that causes you to question your choice. It may be necessary for you to re-enter the career development process and re-evaluate your choice. The Career Center is dedicated to assisting graduates and alumni no matter what stage they are at in the career development process. 

​Activities to consider:

• Consider discussing your career concerns with a supportive person  
• Consider visiting the Career Services Center