With so many career opportunities, how do I know where to start?

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Self-exploration

Often it is helpful to begin thinking about your career interests in terms of your skills, personal interests, and natural abilities.  Ask yourself why you have chosen the major you have or why you participate in student activities, athletics, etc.  Are there certain aspects of these experiences that are also prevalent in the career fields that interest you?  History majors go into many and diverse fields; so, keep in mind that your major does not define your career options -- think outside the box! 

There are resources and people on campus available to help you discover the answer to these questions.  The best place to start is the University of Wisconsin-Madison Letters & Science Career Services.  Check out their website at http://www.lssaa.wisc.edu/careers/exploration/career_exploration.html

Your Undergraduate History Advisors are also available to help you at any stage of the process.  http://history.wisc.edu/undergraduate/advisingandmajor.htm

People Resources

Talk with your faculty advisors, academic advisors, career service advisors, student organization advisors, and University alumni.  The Wisconsin Alumni Association has a special program designed to connect current students and recent graduates with alumni.  Learn more about this special program at http://www.uwalumni.com/home/hiddenpages/alumni_network/alumni_network.aspx

Network With Professionals

Joining professional associations is one way to meet professionals who work in your targeted career field.  Most associations have reduced membership fees for students.  We have listed some professional organizations on this website...

Direct Experience

Once you have selected a career field you may be interested in pursuing, test it out for awhile.  Job shadowing, volunteering, and part-time work are all wonderful ways to gain experience and insight into a career without having to commit to a full-time job or without committing to further education.

• Here are some career resources to help get you started…

• The University of Wisconsin-Madison Letters & Science Career Services offers assistance in connecting students with internship and job opportunities.  Visit http://www.lssaa.wisc.edu/careers/jobs/job_intern_home.html for more information.