Career Decision Making Model

CDM_model

Where are you?

  1. Assess Myself
    1. Examine who you are and what you like to do. Assessments are available to help you identify potential occupations that may interest you. Self- assessments do not tell you what you should do or should be but rather provide you with options to explore and evaluate if they are a good fit.
    2. Possible Next Steps:
      1. Take a Career Assessment
      2. Explore potential Majors/Minors at UTSA
      3. Consider taking UCS2033: Personal Career Planning as an elective course
      4. Draft a resume featuring your unique skills & experiences
      5. Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor
  2. Explore Options
    1. Examine your ideal working environment and find a career that best meets your needs. At this stage, it is important to research different occupations to find the best fit.
    2. Possible Next Steps:
      1. What Can I Do With My Major? Review the listing of potential work areas, types of employers, and strategies that will help you narrow your options and clarify your career goals.
      2. Take a Course in an area that interests you
      3. Speak with a Professor or UGAR (Undergraduate Advisor of Record) in your field of interest to learn more about the degree
      4. Research career opportunities online
      5. Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor
  3. Evaluate Fit
    1. To evaluate fit, you must consider what you have learned about yourself and possible career options in order to make an informed decision. At this stage, you will experiment and take your research to a new level as you play an active role in “trying on” a potential occupation.
    2. Possible Next Steps:
      1. Conduct Informational Interviewing: ask professionals working in the field about their job, education and learn what they like/dislike about their job
      2. Seek out job shadowing, externships or volunteer opportunities (view “Jobs” in the Handshake portal) 
      3. Develop a customized internship/job search strategy
      4. Attend Employer Information Sessions (or Meet Ups) to learn about companies (view “Events” or “Employers” in the Handshake portal)
      5. Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor 
  4. Take Action
    1. At this stage, you will need a polished resume to be ready to jump into the job search. Utilize the resources of the University Career Center to assist you with cover letter writing, job search strategies, and interviewing skills.
    2. Possible Next Steps:
      1. Start looking for full-time positions in your field to tailor your resume
      2. Attend a UCC Workshop (LinkedIn, Job Searching Skills, Career Fair Prep, etc.)
      3. Network within your field
      4. Attend a Group Mock Interview
      5. Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor
  5. Adjust to Transition
    1. As you prepare for graduation and transition from student to professional, remember that the University Career Center’s services are available to you as an Alumni.
    2. Possible Next Steps:
      1. Attend the UTSA Career Conference (designed specifically for Seniors and recent Alumni)
      2. Schedule an appointment with our Alumni Career Counselor  (phone & Skype appointments are available)
  6. Reevaluate
    1. Career development is a life-long process and you will always need to reevaluate. There may be times that you reevaluate if a career field, company or position is the right fit cone you have selected a career. Remember that the University Career Center’s services are available to you as Alumni.
    2. Possible Next Steps:
      1. Connect with our Alumni Career Counselor  (phone & Skype appointments are available)
By Heidi Sawyer
Heidi Sawyer Associate Director of Career Development and College Relations