Career Exploration and Development

Kent State University Columbiana campuses' Career Services can help by providing valuable information, advice, and resources about choosing a major and finding a job.

Exploratory or undecided-major students are encouraged to visit a career advisor for assistance in choosing a career before they are blocked from class registration by the 45-Hour Credit Policy. 

Meet with a Career Counselor to Discuss Your Career Path

Appointments can be made with Ashley Dunlope, adilling@kent.edu, 330-382-7567 or 330-337-4280

Good Resources for Getting Started:

• America's Career Info Net One Stop: Accessible information on occupational descriptions, education, job outlook, and salary.

Kent State University Career Resources:

• The FOCUS 2 Assessment: This assessment helps you take a closer look at your skills, interests, and values. Once you complete the assessment, meet with a career advisor to review your results or review the information below on your own. 
• What can I do with this Major? Kent State's guide to help match majors to careers. 
• Explore Kent State University Majors and Degrees
• Kent State University Career Services: Students enrolled at any regional campus may utilize the career planning resources available at Kent State. Find out about Kent State career fairs, search the HandShake, get help with your resume, practice Interviewing and get prepared for the Job Search. This information is also available on the Career Services page within the Student category on FlashLine. 
• My Plan: Major and Career Guidance. Take Interest Inventories.
• Resumes and Letters

Job Search Engines

• OhioMeansJobs: Search engine for jobs in the State of Ohio
• Cleveland Plain Dealer: Job Search Engine

Other Useful Information:

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Learn about occupations including responsibilities, salaries, education required, and employment outlook
• Career One Stop: Explore careers, salary and benefits, training required, and employment seeker services by state
• O*Net: Quick search tool for Ohio employment data and more
• Ohio In-Demand Careers: Learn about growing fields in the state of Ohio

Talk with faculty, family, and professionals

• Find out what a career is really like by speaking to someone in the field.
• Review the informational interviewing questions to ask and the list of possible people in your network to speak with.
• Talk with your professors who have a wealth of knowledge about their career fields. 
• Chat with family members about their work experiences:   
  • How they selected their careers
  • What they find rewarding/challenging
  • What skills they utilize
  • What their long-term goals are