How to Choose a Career After College

Imagine you’re catching up with a friend or relative you haven’t seen in a while, and they ask: “So, what are you doing after graduation?” If you’re an upper-level college student without a definite answer, that question can be overwhelming. It’s normal to feel stressed or unsure about your future career, especially if you have several interests and don’t know which direction to take. Fortunately, you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Here’s how to start exploring your career options and find a path that works for you after you graduate.  

1. Reflect on who you are

When you’re trying to figure out what to do after college, it’s usually best to start with what you like. Reflect on what makes you you, including your unique interests, natural strengths, and core values. Understanding these things can help you figure out what you’re looking for in a job. 

Identify your interests

Take a few minutes to write down 5-10 things that you’re genuinely interested in. These could be your favorite classes, clubs you’ve joined, or hobbies you do for fun. If you get stuck, think about what makes you lose track of time or what gets you out of bed on a Saturday morning without hitting snooze. Your interests may align with a career choice you haven’t considered yet. 

Assess your strengths

Next, think about what comes naturally to you. Maybe you’ve always done well in math classes, or your friends come to you first when they need advice. Your strengths, whether academic or personal, can help point you towards careers that might be a good fit. For example, if you're great at math and enjoy helping others, teaching could be a great path. If you’re empathetic and interested in how people think, you might thrive as a counselor or therapist. Your strengths can be a big clue in finding the right full-time job. 

Know what you value

In the search to find a job after college, don’t overlook your values. Maybe you enjoy working on a team or making a positive impact. Perhaps you place a high emphasis on work-life balance or on having structure in the workplace. Your values can play a huge role in building a fulfilling career. When your work aligns what you care about, what you’re good at, and what you enjoy, it’s likely to feel more meaningful.

2. Research job opportunities

Even if you’ve had your major picked out since high school, it doesn’t mean your future is set in stone. Most higher education degrees can lead to various types of work and a wide range of careers. Look into the opportunities that can stem from your major by checking job boards, exploring different career fields, and watching job market trends.

Check online job boards

Start by checking job ads on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Handshake. These websites allow you to search for entry-level positions and apply for jobs that interest you. When searching, pay special attention to the responsibilities, skills, and level of education needed. You can use keywords to search for jobs that match your skills (problem solving, organization, etc.) and interests (social media marketing, conservation management, and more).

Explore related career fields

Your future job doesn’t have to be mainstream; you can build a career around a niche interest in your major. For example, a humanities major might pursue opportunities in education, journalism, or social sciences. Business majors might explore roles in finance, marketing, or analytics. To find career options that align with your major and interests, check out career exploration tools like My Next Move, MyMajors, and MyPlan.

Keep an eye on job market trends

In the search to find a job after college, don’t overlook your values. Maybe you enjoy working on a team or making a positive impact. Perhaps you place a high emphasis on work-life balance or on having structure in the workplace. Your values can play a huge role in building a fulfilling career. When your work aligns what you care about, what you’re good at, and what you enjoy, it’s likely to feel more meaningful.

3. Gain real-world experience

Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work allow you to try out a job you find interesting without a long-term commitment. These positions, whether paid or unpaid, give you insight into the particular work environment and culture of different companies. Gaining experience in the real world can help you build your resume, showcase your skills, and make connections in the field. 

Intern

Most majors require some sort of internship before graduation, so it’s smart to use that opportunity to your advantage. Internships are a great way to research companies and test out different career paths to find a good fit. A simple way to find opportunities is by checking your school email. Colleges often send out lists of internships, fellowships, and part-time jobs. However, you need to keep an eye out early, as many students usually start looking for internships around their sophomore year.

Job shadow

Job shadowing may look different for everyone based on their career goals, but it is a great time to learn things you may not be exposed to in school. During your job shadow, you’ll spend time observing someone in their occupation to see what they do daily. You’ll likely get to see real-life tasks and ask questions. Seeing what a job really looks like can help you decide whether it’s a good fit in the long-term.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to a cause you care about while gaining skills and making professional connections. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities that are specific to your field. If you’re interested in healthcare, you could volunteer at a local clinic or get involved with organizations that support patients with specific illnesses, like cancer or mental health issues. No matter what field you choose, starting to volunteer in college can help you gain clarity and experience while serving others. 

4. Make professional connections

You don’t have to figure it all out alone, although it may feel that way sometimes. Talking to people and making connections can give you valuable insight and open doors during the job search. Expand your college network by creating good relationships with your professors, reaching out to professionals, and asking people you know for introductions. 

Talk to professors, alumni, and career advisors

Getting interviews with some professionals can be difficult, but an easy way to do so is by asking professors or a career counselor to connect you with recent college graduates who are now working in your field. It’s often easier and less intimidating to talk to someone who was in your shoes just a few years ago. Your college connections or career coach may also know about hidden job or internship opportunities. 

Reach out to professionals

You can also reach out directly to people who are actively working in your desired field. They will be able to tell you about the job, how they got there, and any required qualifications. If you ask, they may even share what pushed them to choose a major in that field or what skills or experiences helped them the most. 

Ask friends and family for introductions

It may be beneficial to ask the people you already know and trust to help you get connected. Talk to your family and friends about how they chose their career paths. You can also ask if they know anyone working in a field you’re interested in. They may be able to introduce you or pass along your resume. Sometimes, a personal connection can give you a valuable edge in today’s competitive job market.

5.Take action (even if you're unsure)

Not knowing what you want to do after college can be stressful. With classes, deadlines, and a busy social life, it’s easy to put off making career decisions. Taking small, intentional steps now can help you manage your stress and move forward with more confidence. 

Avoid comparison

Choosing a career is a big decision, and it’s easy to feel pressure from outside voices (peers, parents, social media, etc.) Try not to be heavily influenced by what sounds impressive or what others expect. After all, you’ll be the one spending 40+ hours a week on your job. Make sure it’s something you enjoy. 

Be open-minded

It’s great to have goals, but being too rigid with your path or timeline can cause you to miss out on unexpected opportunities. Stay open-minded about any conversations, job interviews, internships, or career fairs – even if they don’t align perfectly with your current plan. You may discover something even better than you thought was possible. 

Take the next right step

It’s easy to get stuck overthinking each choice because every career decision seems so crucial. Yet, no job or position is set in stone. As you grow and change, so too may your career. In fact, most people change jobs (and even change fields) multiple times in life. So, it’s okay not to have the next 10 years planned out before you act, just focus on taking the next right step. 

College is your chance to uncover what excites you, not just in the classroom, but in discovering what you want out of life. There’s no one way to get to your career path, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You can take your time making the decision, but also make sure you’re putting in the effort to figure out your dream job. Whether you go into business, healthcare, political science, or something entirely unexpected, every step you take brings you closer to your long-term career, goals, and values.