Career Paths Overview
College is one of the few times in life when you are encouraged to explore. When thinking about careers, the most important mindset to have is simple: you can do it.
Choosing a career path can feel uncertain, and that is completely normal. Many professionals change roles, industries, and interests multiple times throughout their lives. What matters most during college is not having everything figured out, but being willing to stay curious and take action.
As you explore different opportunities, you will start to learn more about your strengths, your interests, and the types of problems you enjoy solving. Over time, these experiences help you move closer to career paths that feel meaningful and aligned with who you are.
Remember, a career is not a single decision you make once. It is a series of experiences, experiments, and learning moments that shape your professional journey.
Start Exploring Early & Often
No matter your major or academic year, whether you are a freshman just getting started or a senior preparing to graduate, commit to exploring. Future you will thank you.
Talk to people working in different industries. Join clubs and organizations. Attend career events. Pursue internships, projects, or volunteer opportunities that allow you to test your interests in the real world.
Every experience teaches you something valuable. You may discover what excites you, what environments you thrive in, or even what you do not enjoy. All of that information is helpful and moves you one step closer to understanding the type of career you want to build.
The more intentional you are about exploring during college, the more confident and prepared you will feel as you begin your professional journey.
Examples of Career Paths and Industries By School
Your major does not limit your career options. Many students pursue paths that connect to their interests, strengths, and values rather than just their field of study.
Here are a few areas students commonly explore:
Business and Corporate Roles
Financial Analyst, Marketing Coordinator, Management Consultant, Human Resources Specialist, Operations Analyst
(School of Business, School of Liberal Arts, School of Social & Behavioral Sciences)
Technology and Data
Data Analyst, Product Manager, Business Intelligence Analyst, Technology Consultant
(School of Business, School of Health & Natural Sciences, School of Liberal Arts)
Healthcare and Health Services
Healthcare Administrator, Clinical Research Coordinator, Public Health Analyst
(School of Health & Natural Sciences, School of Nursing)
Examples of Career Paths and Industries By School II
Education and Teaching
Teacher, Instructional Designer, Education Program Coordinator
(School of Education)
Government and Public Service
Policy Analyst, Program Manager, City Planner, Legislative Assistant
(School of Liberal Arts, School of Social & Behavioral Sciences)
Nonprofit and Community Impact
Program Coordinator, Community Outreach Manager, Advocacy Specialist
(School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, School of Liberal Arts)
Entrepreneurship and Startups
Founder, Startup Operations Associate, Business Development Associate
(School of Business, School of Liberal Arts)
These examples are just a starting point. Exploring different roles can help you identify careers that align with your interests, strengths, and goals.
Build Your Career Roadmap Using Mercy Resources
You do not have to figure out your career journey alone. Your university provides many resources designed to help you explore options, build skills, and prepare for life after graduation. Consider using the following resources throughout your time on campus:
Career Services
Meet with career advisors who can help you explore career paths, review your resume, practice interviewing, and plan your job search strategy. To connect, book an appointment on Handshake.
Internships and Experiential Learning
Hands on experiences such as internships, research opportunities, and project based work allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom to real world settings. Make sure you check out opportunities and events on Handshake. Not sure how to use Handshake? Watch our tutorial here.
Alumni Networks
Connecting with alumni can provide valuable insight into different industries, career journeys, and professional opportunities. Learn more about our Alumni Network platform, Mercylink, here. You can also find our Maverick alum on alternative platforms like LinkedIn. Note that Maverick alum on Mercylink have opted into wanting to support your career.
Build Your Career Roadmap Using Mercy Resources II
Student Organizations and Leadership Opportunities
Joining clubs and taking on leadership roles helps you develop teamwork, communication, and problem solving skills that employers value. Check out what’s available on engage by clicking here. We understand schedules can be tough but clubs breed skills, leadership, connections and perspective, all of which are amongst what’s most valuable to employers across industries!
Career Events and Employer Panels
Attending networking events, career fairs, and employer presentations helps you learn directly from professionals and build meaningful connections. You can find these events on Handshake.
Focus 2, Candid Career, Zippia
In addition to the above, you can also leverage tools like Focus 2, Zippia, Candid Career and the “explore your career path” dropdown of options listed towards the top of this page. Focus 2 is a career exploration tool that helps you discover majors and careers based on your interests, values, and skills. Candid Career is a video platform where professionals share insights about their careers and industries. Zippia is a career research tool that helps you explore job titles, salaries, and career paths.
