There are multiple ways to learn how to build the necessary career-related skills and experiences employers seek during your experience at UIC. Click the sections below to learn how majors connect to careers and learn more about career exploration resources available to you to conduct research.
Still have questions? Schedule an advising appointment with a Career Advisor by clicking the button below.
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How Majors Connect To Careers
We know it can be challenging to figure out how college majors connect to careers. We offer the following guidance to help you think through your options.
Picking a major is different than choosing a career.
Employers are most interested in your skills/abilities and often do not only focus on your major. It is critical that you supplement your college education with experiences like internships, research opportunities with professors, extracurricular activities and volunteering that will help develop your skills.Select a major in which you are interested and one that aligns with your academic strengths.
In general, students excel in classes in which they are most interested, thus selecting a major that you enjoy makes sense. A strong academic record will give more career options.Learn about and explore many majors.
We recommend you explore many different majors and try not to rule one out because of what you have heard about it. -
Resources to Research Careers
4 Year Career Planning Checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you’re building the necessary career-related skills and experiences .UIC Career Planning Guide
Annual guide outlining/summarizing tips on career development activities, sample materials, upcoming career events, and general advice for students seeking employment and/or internships.My Next Move
An online system to identify majors, advanced degrees and career options that may be a good fit got you.Day In the Life (YouTube series)
You can also use YouTube and search “A Day in the Life of” particular occupations and you will see articles and videos about careers. As always, bring a critical eye to information on the Internet and consider the source of the information.What Can I Do With This Major
This site gives many examples of possible career options that connect to particular majors.Occupational Outlook Handbook
Comprehensive, user-friendly information on hundreds of careers – data from the Bureau of Labor StatisticsO*NET Online
Detailed information about many occupations and lists of careers organized by categories such as skills and interests.Use to research employers, industries and career subjects. Ranks and
reviews companies and internship opportunities. Provides resume and interview advice. (Note:
Access available only through the UIC Library and an account must be setup to access the site.