Major and Career Exploration

• Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: This government website provides detailed information about hundreds of occupations. 
• What can I do with this major?: The Career Tool gives you insight to career possibilities that relate to specific majors here at OU. 
• CareerOneStop: Click on “Explore Careers” to view occupation profiles, employment trends and wage information on this government supported website. 
• Bigfuture by The College Board: Begin by clicking on the "Explore Careers" tab.  You can explore career ideas and match your interests with careers. If you select “Major and Career Search” underneath that "Explore Careers"  tab you can view major and career profiles which include a description of the major and/or career.
• O*NET: Use the “Skills Search” (located under the ‘Advanced Search’ options) to select your skill set and see how they match up with occupations.  “Find Occupations” will allow you to search occupations by keyword, browse by job family and explore how knowledge, skills, abilities, interests and work values relate to various occupations.

Sometimes the best way to learn about a major or career is to go straight to the source. Interacting directly with individuals who have experience in a specific major or career can provide the insight needed to determine if this major or career is a good fit for you.

Courses: Try to pick general education courses that allow you to explore your major and career interests. View general education courses.

• Professors: Professors offer great insight into career options and major knowledge.  To contact a professor, use your syllabus or the directory. All correspondence with professors should be in a professional manner.
• Informational Interviews: An informational interview is a great way to research a career by interviewing a person already employed in that field. These interviews allow you to obtain information about the career field and learn about the skills and educational experiences you will need to enter the field. Review a list of sample questions you can ask. Supplemental resources are also available through the Career and Life Design Center.
• Job Shadowing: Job shadowing is one step further than informational interviews.  Instead of a brief meeting, the person investigating the career spends a substantial period of time (generally one hour to one day) observing a professional's day-to-day work activities.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering is an awesome way to give back but can also help you to explore your interests with minimal investment. The Office for Student Involvement provides a list of community agencies and events in need of volunteers.