Career Exploration

The University Career Center is much more than “the place to go to find a job” when you’re ready to graduate. In fact, we’re here for you from the moment you step foot on campus and will continue to be here for you when you join our ever-growing alumni network. We offer many services to facilitate your major and career choice throughout your lifetimes.

Exploring Career & Occupational Information

There are many resources available to explore career and occupational information. Many of the resources below are used in appointments with students and alumni to learn more about career options for life after college.

What Can I Do With This Major?

The What Can I Do With This Major is a subscription resource paid by the University Career Center and free to all UofL students. This resource provides information on career areas, typical employers, and strategies to enter that career area, for over 90 majors. Majors are divided into 11 groups, as well as listed alphabetically.  Each major also includes links to professional associations, occupational outlook, related resources, and employment opportunities.

O*NET OnLine

O*NET OnLine was created for the general public by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide broad access to the O*NET database of occupational information. It provides information on almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy.  Occupations are arranged by various groups including Career Cluster, Job Family, and Industry. Each occupation contains information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, interests, education, wages, related occupations, and sources for additional information. 

Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is the Bureau of Labor Statistic's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupations across 25 occupational groups. Occupational profiles begin with a brief summary then provide more information on topics such as duties and responsibilities, education and training, pay, and job outlook.  It provides a list of similar occupations plus links to associations, organizations, and other institutions that provide readers with additional information.

Kentucky Center for Stastics

Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYStats) collects and links data to evaluate education and workforce efforts in the Commonwealth.

CandidCareer Videos

CandidCareer Videos is a subscription video platform paid by the University Career Center and free to all UofL students.  It contains thousands of video clips of real people, not actors, speaking about their career experiences.  The CandidCareer widget is located on several pages on our website and contains videos describing industries, career titles, companies, and majors. To access the subscription, click on this CandidCareer link or any of the widgets throughout our website. 

Choosing a Career

Choosing a career can seem daunting, but you don't have to embark on the journey alone.

Networking

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines networking as “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business.” Networking is based on the premise of providing and receiving support; both parties profit from the relationship. The old saying goes without question “It is not what you know, but who you know.” We have developed an array of networking resources that will help you network effectively and efficiently.

Informational Interviewing

Do you know which career path you want to pursue? Talk with somebody who is currently employed in that field to gain a better understanding about the career and what it entails. An information interview is a great way to learn more about someone's journey into their chosen career, and will provide you with tips and tricks to be successful in establishing your career. Our informational interview resources will provide you with step-by-step information on conducting informational interviews.