Career Planning

This can be a daunting task! Your career determines much of where you live, how you live, and the kind of life your spouse and children lead. Be judicious in determining your major and future career, and do all the research you can to prepare yourself for your dream job. Here's what you can do now to begin planning your career:

Self-Awareness

When planning you career, you must be very aware of what your strengths and weaknesses are, what kind of job environment you thrive in, and what your long-term goals are. BYU's Academic Success Center offers several different career assessments to help you discover yourself and find the right occupational fit for you.

Occupational Handbook

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a free, online occupational handbook which allows you access to statistics such as median salary, entry-level education required, and projected growth for your dream fields of work. Make sure to peruse this handbook carefully as you plan your career and your future goals.

Student Employment

Working during college is, for most students, a necessity (especially to graduate debt-free). However, when considering a student job offer, you must take into account not only wage and hours, but the kind of experience you will gain from this job. Many employers and even graduate programs after your undergraduate degree will pay special attention to your resume and the work experience you have. Visit the Student Employment page to view job postings and find the right work for you.

Salary Expectations

As you consider your major/minor, get work experience, and begin interviewing for full-time jobs, make sure you are aware of the average salaries for the positions you are considering. Do plenty of research, and be sure to respectfully negotiate your salary and employee benefits at the appropriate moment in your interviews. Click here to get started on your research.