Active Discovery

ways to actively explore careers

Self-Reflection

Journal or think about what energizes you, what matters most, and what you’re curious about solving.

Self-Assessments

Identify your strengths, values, interests, and preferred work styles. There are several assessments available to help you identify your strengths, interests, and values—and align them with potential career paths. To get started, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor, who can provide access and help you review your results.

Investigating Challenges

Research global, local, or personal issues that you feel compelled to help solve. 

• Explore Global Topics: Browse the UN Sustainable Development Goals to identify global issues that resonate with you.

• SparkPath Challenge Cards: A career exploration tool designed to help you discover meaningful career paths by focusing on real-world challenges rather than job titles. Schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor to explore this resource further.

• Earth Charter:  A global declaration of principles that promote a just, sustainable, and peaceful world. These principles can serve as a powerful framework to reflect on personal values and guide decisions about meaningful work—especially in fields like environmental sustainability, social justice, human rights, and global development.

• Research Local Needs: Look into nonprofits, city initiatives, or community news to see what challenges exist in your area.

Researching Industries & Employers

Learn about different sectors, organizational cultures, and employer values.

• Explore Industries: Use tools like CareerOneStop to explore information on industries, career clusters, and occupations, including salary data, job outlook, required education, and work environments.

• Search Company Pages: Look up employers on LinkedIn to view company culture, employee paths, recent updates, and who works there.

• Read Reviews: Use Glassdoor to browse company reviews, salaries, and interview experiences from real employees.

• Attend Events or Info Sessions: Many companies host webinars, virtual tours, or attend our Networking Nights to share their story and hiring needs. 

Exploring Job Descriptions

Job descriptions are windows into the world of work. By reading real postings—even for roles you’re not ready to apply for—you can start to understand what different jobs actually involve, what employers expect, and what skills are in demand. Here are just a few examples of sites you can use to find this information: 

• Triton Track: Search for jobs and internships tailored toward Eckerd students. 

• Indeed: Browse by job title, industry, or location. Offers salary data and company reviews too.

• USAJobs: The official portal for U.S. federal government jobs and internships. Learn how government roles are structured.

• Idealist: Focuses on nonprofit, NGO, and social impact jobs. 

• LinkedIn Jobs: Explore postings by company, keyword, or alumni employers.

Investigating Alumni Career Paths

The Eckerd alumni tool on LinkedIn allows you to search for graduates based on a variety of criteria, such as field of study, industry, job titles, and geographic location. Using this strategy allows you to: 

• Understand Career Trajectories: See how alumni have transitioned from their degree programs to real-world careers, including any unexpected paths they’ve taken.

• Gain Industry Insights: Learn about the types of companies that hire graduates from your major, and get a feel for industry trends.

• Network for Informational Interviews: Reach out to alumni to ask for advice or schedule informational interviews. LinkedIn’s messaging system makes it easy to connect.

• Explore Geographic Opportunities: If you’re interested in a specific region or city, filter for alumni who are based there. You’ll gain insights into job availability, regional industries, and the professional landscape.

• Build Your Professional Network: By connecting with alumni, you can start building your network, which can be invaluable when you begin your own job search.

Podcasts, Biographies, & Videos

In today’s digital age, one of the best ways to learn about different careers, industries, and professional growth is by tuning into stories from those who have lived them. Whether through podcasts, biographies, or “day-in-the-life” videos, these resources offer real-world perspectives, firsthand experiences, and practical tips for success. 

Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for discovering career paths, staying current with trends, and learning from professionals’ real experiences. Platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter offer behind-the-scenes insights into industries, roles, and workplaces.

• Follow Professionals & Thought Leaders: Learn about career journeys, job tips, and industry news. 

• Engage with Employers: Follow company accounts and learn about their values, culture, and job opportunities.

• Join Industry Conversations: Use hashtags and community pages to connect with others and discover helpful content.