Boise State University Career Guide - 2025 - Flipbook - Page 10
CAREER EXPLORATION
Forget the polished image of a career path as a single, straight road leading to a fxed destination. In reality, a
career path resembles a roller coaster at the world’s best amusement park - there are unexpected twists and turns,
climbs, drops, and loops. This roller coaster will look diferent for everyone, but just know that your career journey
is not expected to resemble anything linear.
What is the key to navigating the twists and turns? Self-exploration, which focuses on understanding who you are,
what matters to you, and how that translates to your community and the working world.
Building Confidence: Am I Ready?
That question – “Am I ready for a career?” – is completely normal. Career
development is a lifelong process, not a single decision. As you continue
through your time at Boise State, take some time to refect on what you
enjoyed, your strengths, and your accomplishments, big or small. Did
you lead a successful school project? Excel at a part-time job? These
experiences will help you as you transition from student to alumni and into
your frst position after graduation.
Exploring What You DON’T Want to Do
Just as important as knowing what you like is understanding what you
don’t enjoy. Have you ever volunteered or shadowed someone in a feld
you thought you’d love, only to discover it wasn’t a good ft? Have you
had a part-time job you really didn't like? That’s valuable information!
Understanding what you don't like, and why, helps you refne what you're
looking for in a job.
Navigating Culture and Identity
Your unique background, identity, values, and experiences shape your
perspective and play a role in your career journey. Understanding your
strengths will allow your identity and experiences to be an asset in the
workplace.
Resources to Help You Get Started
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PathwayU: Take the PathwayU career assessment and meet with a
career counselor to learn how your skills, values, personality, and
workplace preferences can help in your self-exploration (see page 6
for information)
Informational Interviews: Talk to professionals in careers you’re
curious about (See pages 12-14 for more information)
Career Services: Schedule a meeting with a career counselor for help
with exploring career options that align with your areas of interest
Self-exploration is an individualized, ongoing journey, not a one-time
event. As you learn and grow, your career goals will likely evolve.
Embrace new experiences, work, volunteer, conduct career research, and
talk to professionals. Each step will equip you with the knowledge and
confdence to navigate your career path.
Career and major exploration resources
Scan the QR code or go to
boisestate.edu/career/career-planning/
career-major-decision-making/
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