Discover Your Career Possibilities

What is important to you?

A “good job” gives you more than just a paycheck. The type of work you do influences all parts of your life. For example, the location and hours you work affect the time you spend with family and friends. And you are more likely to enjoy jobs that are related to your interests, values, skills and strengths.

When researching which occupations might fit you, also think about access, job quality, pay, and related occupations.

• Access: Hiring requirements and job availability
  • Ask -- How many jobs are available near where I want to live? If needed, do I want to go to graduate school or enter special training?
  • Look For -- Related experience; education requirements; and credentials needed for entry-level jobs.
  • Find Out -- Number of job openings; projected growth and future job openings.
• Job quality: Work environment, schedule and compensation
  • Ask -- Does this opportunity fit my values and interests? What type of work setting fits my personality (hospital, corporation, outdoors, school, etc.)? Is this job a good fit for my current lifestyle?
  • Look For -- Benefits and perks that fit your life; work shifts that fit your schedule.
  • Find Out -- If jobs are typically full time, part time, permanent, contract or seasonal.
• Pay: Salary or wages
  • Ask -- What salary range aligns with my preferred lifestyle and goals? In a few years, what might be my potential income?
  • Look For -- Low, median and high wages for an occupation.
  • Find Out -- Average pay for this job where you want to live; compensation offered by specific employers.
• Related occupations: Jobs in the same career area
  • Ask -- What are my transferable skills? Which industries or career cluster do I want to be part of my career journey?
  • Look For -- Other occupations using the same skills, abilities and knowledge; similar jobs in different work settings.
  • Find Out -- Higher level jobs related to this entry-level position; access, job quality and pay for similar occupations.

Ways to find information

Talk to People

You already have people in your life who can help you research careers. Your family, friends, other students, instructors and advisors are all part of your network. Ask them if they know people who are working in the careers you are interested in.

• Start building your network with 4 steps
• Find out about informational interviews with experienced professionals to gather insights about a career or job you are interested in.

Student Activities & Professional Associations

Attending events sponsored by groups related to your major is a good way to meet people in your career field. Joining an association and participating in committees helps you to develop leadership skills and learn more about career possibilities.

• CEHD Involvement & Opportunities
• Student Groups (all of UMN)
• Search for professional associations related to your major or career (CareerOneStop)
• Attend CEHD career events

Online Tools

There is so much information out there that it can get overwhelming. These websites have trusted information about careers related to CEHD majors. Contact Career Services for more resources.

• Potential employers and careers for CEHD graduates.
• Reality Check Tool (CAREERwise) shows you how much money you need to earn in order to support the lifestyle you want.
• Cost of Living in Minnesota provides a yearly estimate of living expenses by county.
• Career Assessment Tools to find careers that align with your personality, strengths and values.
• Skills Matcher (CareerOneStop) rates the skills you have and shows which occupations you might qualify for.

Labor Market Information

These are a few of several websites where you can find access, job quality, pay and more information for hundreds of occupations. Find out how to use these websites to research occupations related to your major.

• CAREERwise (Minnesota)
• O*NET (national)
• CareerOneStop (compare U.S. states)
• Multiple data tools from MN Department of Employment and Economic Development