Discover how the University of Indianapolis helps prepare students for careers that make the most of their gifts and talents.
It's not easy to figure out a career that's right for you or a college major that will help you best prepare for it. There are countless career possibilities and a variety of educational paths to them. Certainly you want to make sure that the school you attend can help you sort out your options and develop a plan to reach the goals you have now or will set for yourself while you're enrolled.
Attending college is a major investment of time, energy, and money. We want you to know that we will do everything possible to help you make good on your UIndy investment. We can start now if you like, before you attend your very first class.
Sigi 3 is a computer-assisted career guidance system used to clarify values and interests, to view job descriptions, investigate work environments, and consider other factors that go into good career decision making. You are welcome to visit our Career Center anytime we are open and sit down with Sigi 3. While you're here, you may wish to glance through any number of great titles in our office library. If you are set to attend the University of Indianapolis and would like to speak with a career counselor before starting your first semester, simply call for an appointment.
Another helpful tool we sometimes use is the Career Exploration Inventory, which we would be happy to send you at no charge. A further suggestion would be to consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook viewable online at the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics site and O*NET OnLine, the Occupational Information Network. For additional information and advice on career and educational planning, feel free to look at the Career Exploration & Planning page.
If you've been admitted to the University of Indianapolis, registered for classes and have a UIndy e-mail account you can begin prospecting for work on or off campus using JobHoundConnect, our Career Services employment information and referral system. Announcements about campus and work study jobs become available around August 1 each year. Employers contact our office year-round regarding part-time and seasonal opportunities.
Q. Where are the jobs today? What fields are hot?
A. What's hot is what makes the most sense for you. The old saying about not being able to put a square peg in a round
hole still applies. If you haven't got the interest in or aptitude for a given profession, there's not much point in
pursuing it, right? Also, the outlook for a given career may be strong now, but occupational demand usually runs in cycles.
While it's foolish not to pay attention to employment trends and the kind of skills that are needed in the marketplace, our
advice is to identify a field or two, or three of genuine interest, do the research, prepare yourself in the best ways you
possibly can (picking up practical, marketable skills and related experience, networking among professionals in the area),
and go for it! Having said all this, visit the sites mentioned above for current forecasts on what industries and
occupations hold the most promise for the future.
Q. What can I do with a major in (fill in the blank)?
A. The possibilities are many and varied. People with liberal arts oriented and general degrees land in all kinds of
interesting places. Even degrees in very technical areas can qualify you for a range of opportunities. Don't forget,
though, that you may need some career-related experience, too. Also, employers may be looking for certain skill sets
and personalities that aren't learned or developed, necessarily, in school. To become a nurse, athletic trainer, CPA,
teacher, or other specialist, you'll need to follow a highly prescribed college curriculum. However, even if you choose
one of these fields, understand that this won't keep you from pursuing other career possibilities as well. In many settings,
a college degree of any kind can qualify you for numerous career options.
Q. Can I take a test to find out what I'm good at?
A. There are assessments "out there" such as the GATB (General Aptitude Test Battery) offered by the U.S. Employment
Service (Department of Labor) and ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) used by the military, as well as
other sophisticated and expensive instruments. ACT and SAT test results, along with grades in high school and college
courses can offer an indication of a person's aptitudes and abilities. While UIndy Career Services does not administer
or interpret the above-mentioned tests, we routinely offer to enrolled students and alumni a couple of popular inventories
designed to get a fix on a person's interests and preferences.
Q. What do employers look for in college grads?
A. Year after year, employers report that they are looking for graduates who are good communicators with strong verbal,
written, presentation, listening, and social skills. They want to see young people who are honest, eager and enthusiastic
about their career plans, willing to accept responsibility, initiate and lead. Candidates who can plan and organize well,
who are team players, and who are ready to provide exceptional service to customers and clients stand out. Of course,
employers also expect that college grads will bring well-honed computer skills to the workplace. They're looking for an
open attitude to learning new skills and a general sense of professionalism. The sooner college students recognize
what employers are looking for the better in order to take steps to develop in the ways they should through courses,
special programs, campus activities, community service, internships, travel abroad, etc.
© University of Indianapolis • 1400 East Hanna Avenue • Indianapolis, Indiana 46227 • U.S.A.
(317) 788-3296 • 800-232-8634 • careers.uindy.edu • ocs@uindy.edu
