Meeting with the Career Center!

As a Freshman, do you know what you want to major in? Do you have any ideas on which career path you want to follow? Do you want to know more about the opportunities that your university offers? Well, scheduling an “Exploring Majors & Career Paths” appointment with the Career Center could not only lead you to a better understanding of yourself, but also guide you through a multitude of paths you can take during your four years of college!

How to Schedule an Appointment?

The first step in scheduling an appointment with the Career Center is having a Handshake Account. Having a Handshake account allows you to make appointments, explore events, and search for jobs, which makes having an account a crucial part of college. After you register to Handshake, click the Career Center tab to access the Appointment section to schedule a meeting with an experienced and knowledgeable staff member.

Questions to Ask

It is important to have a list of questions you want to ask during your appointment, or else there wouldn’t be a purpose to the meeting. Questions that have to do with the majors you’re thinking of pursuing, the career options that are available, internship opportunities, and study abroad options are all a great topic to touch upon. Talking about the potential job options available will help you decide what interests and disinterests you, which are both equally important to know. Additionally, having an internship or an externship will give you a better sense of professionalism and add onto your skill sets. Lastly, studying abroad is a great way to travel, take college courses, and explore different environments and cultures.

Career Planning

• It is important to know your values. Knowing your values will help you decide what environment you want to be in, the future you see yourself in, and the type of company you want to work for.

• Secondly, learning more about yourself will uncover the majors that you want to declare. Whether it be learning your likes and dislikes or the courses that interest you the most, self-discovery is a significant factor in career planning.

• Lastly, research career options! With the help of the Career Center, exploring your career options will give you a better perspective of what your future could be like. Starting out with an internship or an externship is a great way to dive into the professional work place without fully committing to the company or the field. It will give you insight into the sector you’re working in and hopefully help you decide whether you love what you’re doing or hate it. Either way, you’re able to learn more about yourself and uncover other opportunities.  

Have a Greater Understanding of Yourself and Your University

Meeting with a staff member in the Career Center was one of my best choices as a Freshman in Villanova University. Coming into this college, I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to major in or what options were available. However, the appointment really opened my eyes to all the opportunities and experiences available to me. Through the meeting, I’ve discovered the Singapore Summer Program, potential externships and internships, the significance of Handshake, and ideas on what to major in. Whether you’re a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior, scheduling a meeting will offer a greater understanding of your college and yourself.