Home > Students > Explore Majors & Careers > Making Career Decisions

The Career Decision Making Model

Each of us can find ourselves at some point in our own career decision-making process. This model represents the stages that many people go through when making career decisions. And the process goes in both directions: you might go clockwise, but then feel the need to back up and go counterclockwise. Read on to learn more about these stages, including the one you feel you are in now.

1. Assess Myself
   Who am I?
   What do I have to offer?
   
   The first step to finding your dream job is to learn as much about you as possible. Values, skills, interests, and personality play a large role in finding the right career fit. The Career Center can assist you in discovering how your traits relate to the world of work
   
   
   
2. Explore Options
   What's out there for me?
   How do I find an internship?
   
   It is important to try things on for size. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive or pick a college without a school visit. Deciding on a career is the same thing.
   
   
3. Evaluate the Fit
   What's important to me?
   How do I make a decision?
   
   Finding a career after graduation is stressful. There are so many directions to choose from, and you are asked to select one. Choosing a job or career that matches your interests, skills, strengths, and values is an important part of reducing the stress and anxiety surrounding this decision. Finding the right fit involves much research. You must do some soul-searching as well as investigate and experience what's out there in the work world.
   
   
4. Take Action
   How do I get there?
   Resume, Interview, Networking Skills?
   
   There are many ways to find a job: on-campus recruiting, applying to company websites, job posting sites, networking, career fairs, etc. As you think about the methods you will use, consider not just the easiest routes, but those that will yield the greatest results. A smart job search is a targeted search - you know what you are going after, and you are strategic about the methods you use. This focus requires preparation and research about yourself and the ways your field(s) of choice hire.
   
   
5. Adjust to Transition
   How I make the transition from student to professional?
   
   Making the adjustment from student to professional is challenging. From managing your personal finances to adjusting to the differences between academic and job environments, it can be a difficult transition.

   Your first post-Hopkins job will be a whole new experience. It may be hard to manage the new expectations of your performance. In fact, it may be hard at first to determine what the expectations are and how to succeed. Use your networking skills to get to know others in your field, and try to find a mentor.
   

6. Re-evaluate
   What's next?
   What if I change my mind?
   
   The career development process is ongoing. As you grow and change, your values, interests, and skills will also change. It is important to continue to evaluate these areas to ensure that you continue to make career choices that fit. As a result, you will find that you will re-enter the Career Decision-Making Process at various points, all throughout your life.