Career Exploration & Goal Setting

Charting your STEM career path means determining where you want to go, and how you will get there. As part of this process it is important to assess your skills, values, and objectives.

Skills Assessment:
Explore some job titles/roles that sound compelling to you and assess those skills that are desired or required to excel in that role to determine which skills you possess, and which you will need to develop along your career pathway. To facilitate this process, identify 3-5 job posting that interest you and compile a list of what skills are required for each.

Values Assessment:
Values vary greatly from person to person. What matters to one may mean little to another person. Either way, the are a factor in career and job satisfaction. This activity is designed to help you, as an undergraduate student, define your ideal job and career path.

Part 1: Must-Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and Dealbreakers

• Must-Haves: These are the non-negotiables you need in a job. Think of them as your dealbreakers in reverse.
  • Compensation & Benefits: What’s the minimum salary you need? Are health insurance and paid time off essential? Consider living expenses in your desired location.
  • Work-Life Balance: How many hours per week can you comfortably work? Are flexible schedules or remote work options important to you?
  • Learning & Growth: Do you need opportunities to develop new skills through training or further education?
  • Company Culture: What kind of environment do you thrive in? Collaborative or independent? Startup energy or established company structure?
• Nice-to-Haves: These are perks that would enhance your experience but aren’t essential.
  • Company Mission: Does the company’s purpose align with your values?
  • Perks & Benefits: Does the company offer unique benefits like gym memberships, wellness programs, or generous parental leave?
  • Growth Potential: Does the job offer opportunities for advancement or leadership roles?
  • Industry Outlook: Is the industry the job is in stable or growing?

Part 2: Learning from Past Experiences (Optional, but highly recommended)

• Reflect on any previous work experiences (internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work).
  • What aspects did you enjoy? (e.g., teamwork, specific tasks, helping others)
  • What did you dislike? (e.g., micromanagement, lack of challenge, unclear expectations)
• Use these insights to refine your must-haves and dealbreakers.

Part 3: Long-Term Goals

• Consider your long-term career aspirations. Does this next job directly contribute to your future goals?
• Is it a stepping stone that provides valuable experience and skills?
• Aligning your job search with your future vision can help prioritize your must-haves and nice-to-haves.

Bonus Tip:

• Research potential employers! Company websites, job postings, and employee reviews can reveal a lot about company culture and work environment.

This activity should give you a clearer picture of your ideal job and career path. Remember, your needs and priorities may change over time, so revisit this activity periodically as you gain experience and your goals evolve.

Actionable Career Plan:
Once you’ve explored some roles, assessed your skills, and determined your professional values, it’s time to set some goals. Use the goal setting worksheet (attached) to begin to chart your career pathway.