Self/Career Exploration
Identifying your skills, interests & values
Whether you are thinking about choosing a major, a career field or a graduate school, it all begins with you and who you are. Beginning to explore your options early in your university career is a good idea so that you are following a path that is sure to be utilizing your dependable strengths --- those that you do well and enjoy using. Working within your areas of strength insures greater success and satisfaction! Since the average person will change jobs and careers numerous times within one's life, knowing this information gives you true job security as you move about creating new opportunities for yourself.
FOCUS 2: Career and Education Planning System
An Internet based self assessment tool designed to provide users with personalized career and education exploration and planning services. FOCUS 2 utilizes self assessment by allowing users to develop an accurate picture of their interests, work values, personality, skills, educational and leisure time preferences.
FOCUS 2, in conjunction with career advisement provided by the CSC staff, can help you clarify your career path and get you headed in the right direction.
If you previously had an account on the original FOCUS system, you will need to create a new account on FOCUS 2. It would be worth your time to re-take the assessments using this new version but if you prefer to transfer your results from the original system, just follow the prompts to do so as you register for FOCUS 2.
| Create an account | Existing User |
| Request registration access code here | Log in |
Vault Online Career Library
The Vault is an Online Career Library. It is a comprehensive career resource aimed at college students featuring Vault's best-selling career and industry books. Also included is exclusive insider information on more than 3000 companies, plus career advice articles and message boards. It is an essential tool for learning about companies, careers, and ultimately landing that dream job. Use either an @umbc.edu or @alum.umbc.edu email address to request a password. Open the Vault.
Dependable Strengths
Answer the questions on our Career Planning and Strengths Assessment page and then make an appointment with a career specialist at 410-455-2216 to begin exploring your pattern of strengths.
If you are a recent graduate or alumna/us, you may be interested in attending an in-depth, 2-day workshop on assessing your Dependable Strengths. Read on . . .
What Can I Do With My Major
Take a look at some sample careers within various industries where you could utilize a degree from UMBC. Read on . .
Professional Network: UMBC Mentoring Program
The UMBC Professional Network program connects its network of active alumni and employer volunteers to UMBC current students (and alumni who use UMBCworks to support their job search) in support of their career exploration and academic development. Through your UMBCworks account, you can view a list of all mentors (UMBC alumni and employers) who have volunteered to be part of the Professional Network. Read on . . .Academic and Departmental Clubs
Consider getting involved with one of the many clubs and organizations at UMBC. Many of these clubs bring in guest speakers and provide networking opportunities with companies. Talking to professionals is a great way to consider options and explore various horizons.
http://www.umbc.edu/studentlife/getinvolved/organizations.php#academic
Career Publications, Videos and Articles
Check these lists of books, articles and careers on video websites:
- UMBC Graduating Student Report
- CSC Career Resources (in MP212)
- Vault Career Library
- Career Voyages
- "You Can Get a Job With Any Major"
O*Net
The O*NET system serves as the nation's primary source of occupational information, providing comprehensive information on key attributes and characteristics of workers and occupations.
Additional links
