Designing Your Career & Life: A 5-Step Planning Process
At the Career Center, we help you discover and chart a course toward your goals — whatever they may be. Explore each step of the Career & Life Design process through the links below. You can also visit our Guide to Career & Life Design (PDF) for tools and strategies to effectively prepare and launch your career — from self-assessment and choosing a major to networking, writing resumes & cover letters, searching for jobs & internships, and more.
How to Design Your Career & Life
This is a dynamic process of discovery, action, and growth. Click on the tiles that follow for guidance & resources.
Self-Reflect
In this step, you’ll think about what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what matters to you.
Brainstorm
Use your reflections to generate as many ideas as you can—don’t hold back; nothing is off limits!
Research
Gather info about your favorite ideas through online resources and by chatting with people in those fields.
Experiment
In this step, you’ll try out (a.k.a. prototype) ideas through hands-on experiences like classes, clubs, internships, or volunteering.
Iterate
Learn from experiences & adjust as needed. Whether you keep going or try something new, every step builds your future!
