How to Decide on a Job After College

Some reflection can help you narrow down the jobs that most interest you.

A college degree is an asset and a solid step forward towards a career, but it is not necessarily a straight path to a job. Many people choose majors that interest them, like business, history or biology, that do not have a specific job attached, such as nursing majors do. However, that is no reason to get discouraged, as the completion of college presents you with the opportunity to get ever closer to finding a satisfying career path -- starting with your first post-college job.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper
• Major-specific career book

Instructions

1. Create a list of all the things you enjoy doing. Examples might include talking to people and using the computer. Don't worry if the items on your list don't appear immediately transferable to a job.

2. Create a list of your positive skills and personality traits. Examples might include presentation-making, critical analysis, outgoing and friendly.

3. Create a list of the things that you enjoyed about the major you studied. Think back to the classes that you took, the projects you did and any internships you had. Spend some time relaxing and enjoying yourself for at least a few hours before you come back to the next step.

4. Create a list of all of the jobs you can think of that have to do with your college major. Consult the major-specific career books at your college's career center, or buy your own, to give you a pool of additional ideas to add to your list. Spend some more time relaxing and enjoying yourself for at least a few hours before you come back to the next step.

5. Gather all of your lists together and reread them to remind yourself of what you wrote. Cross reference them to create a better profile of yourself, your desires and your opportunities. You should now have a good idea of a job or a field that would suit you. As a recent college graduate, however, you may or may not be able to leap right into the ideal job you have dreamed up. Consider starting out as an assistant instead, positioning yourself to move up into the job you want at the next available opportunity.

Tips & Warnings

• Spending time relaxing before resuming the process helps you better assimilate and understand your thoughts and choices.

References

• CollegeBoard: Reality Checks for Career Planning
• CollegeBoard: Exploring Careers Step By Step