While a career is an accumulation of life experiences in both personal and professional arenas, it certainly has a number of chapters that translate into different roles in different work settings. Fashioning a rewarding, personally fulfilling career typically requires a series of role changes over which the individual would hope to have some influence if not absolute control. As personal choices and external circumstances make change necessary, the person who wishes to maximize opportunity should try to follow the steps indicated in this decision-making cycle:

Researching opportunities helps anyone to make informed choices based on their self assessment, and also plays a critical role in pursuing opportunities and presenting oneself effectively for a position. From writing resumes to conducting interviews and negotiations, the better informed the candidate is, the greater the liklihood that a position is offered and that appropriate rewards can be negotiated.

What is involved in such research?

There are a variety of ways that students can research career possibilities:

• Reading about careers in both print and online resources
• Networking with people in fields of interest
• Shadowing professionals while they work
• Conversing with employers whenever possible
• Gaining firsthand experience through internships, jobs, and volunteering

What resources exist at Syracuse to pursue these avenues?

Students should:

• check with the career office in their home college to determine the print, online, internship and networking resources that may be available through college-specific offices.
• connect with the Syracuse University Center for Career Services to explore internships
• use the resources of the Center for Career Services, i.e. print and online career information, OrangeLink Mentors database, employer programs and connections
• pursue alumni networking opportunities through the Mentor@SU program and Syracuse's Office of Alumni Relations

Starting early to research the work world can pay enormous benefits. The Career Services Network can help students in this critical information and experience gathering process.