Looking Forward
By now you’ve completed in-person research, accessed online resources, reviewed pertinent books, completed the decision-making matrix and even outlined some actions steps. What’s the next step? Does this mean that you’re finished with career research and exploration?
It’s important to never stop your career research and exploration. Keep setting new goals!
Jumpstart Your Career: Hear What Employers Have to Say
Here is some great advice from employees working in the field of healthcare.
Practical Experience
If you are just starting your journey at the University of West Florida, there are a lot of opportunities you can take advantage of that will support you in your career exploration. You can access a wide variety of opportunities that will allow you to develop your employability skills while complementing your classroom-based education with practical experience.
These experiences will also be helpful in widening your perspective and learning about various career options:
| Table 2.4 University of West Florida Resources | |
|---|---|
| Experience Opportunity | Who to Contact |
| Focus 2 Career | Online, interactive, self-guided career & education plan |
| Executive Mentor Program | Prepares students for successful careers in business |
| On-Campus Part-Time Jobs | UWF Students Jobs |
| Tutoring and Learning Resources | Provides free academic support services to all students enrolled at the University of West Florida. |
| University Commons and Event Services | Foster student skills and support student success |
Entrepreneurship, Side Hustles, and the Gig Economy
In past generations, many found a company to work for and then stayed in the same job or company for decades. But today, we rarely stay in the same job (let alone on the same career path) and we don’t rely on a single income stream. The tools and resources are out there for us to do express ourselves, and more of us are harnessing an entrepreneurial spirit — even if it’s something we do alongside a traditional job.