career development, planning and exploration process
career development process
Career development is an exciting and personal journey. At Bellevue University, we view it as a series of experiences—both inside and outside the classroom—that help you explore who you are, who you want to become, and which career paths align with your personal and professional goals.
Phase 1: self-discovery
Reflect on your interests by asking yourself:
- What are your hobbies, favorite classes, and interests?
- What comes naturally to you?
- What kinds of problems do you want to solve?
- What values are most important to you?
- Which extracurricular activities do you enjoy, and what have you learned from them?
- What would others say you’re good at?
- What topics or ideas spark your curiosity?
- What kind of impact do you want to make in the world?
Identify your skills, strengths, and values
- My Next Move – Explore a wide range of careers and industries using the free O*NET Interest Profiler, which helps you identify your interests and how they relate to the world of work.
- Work Values Matcher (CareerOneStop.org) – Discover what you value most in a job or work environment. Everyone’s workplace preferences are different—some value independence, others collaboration or flexibility. This free assessment helps clarify what matters most to you.
- Skills Matcher (CareerOneStop.org) – Identify your strongest skills—from communication and leadership to technology and analysis. Understanding your skills helps you write stronger resumes and confidently answer questions such as, “What can you contribute to our organization?”
Phase 2: explore options
Research majors and careers
- Meet with your student coach to discuss different majors and degree requirements.
- Zippia – Research career paths by major, industry, or job role. Access salary statistics, career data, and real-time postings.
- O*NET OnLine – Search nearly 1,000 occupations to learn about required training, job duties, salary ranges, and career outlook.
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals to learn firsthand about specific roles and industry trends.
Investigate industries
- CareerOneStop Video Library – Hear directly from professionals about their day-to-day work and industry tips.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS.gov) – Official career resource offering details on duties, education, pay, and job outlook for hundreds of occupations.
- MyPlan.com – Research careers, explore college majors, and watch videos about different professions.
- Job Shadow – Read real interviews from professionals sharing insights about their jobs and career paths
Connect with professionals and dentify mentors
- Connect with employers and recruiters on Handshake to build your professional network.
- Use LinkedIn to find and connect with Bellevue University alumni by location, industry, and field of study.
Phase 3: plan and prepare
Develop your professional skills
- Watch the CareerOneStop video library for real-world career insights.
- Explore the Event Calendar in Handshake for employer events, workshops, and career fairs that build readiness skills.
Build your toolkit
- Review our How to Write Resumes and Cover Letters guide for examples, writing tips, and action verbs.
- Create your LinkedIn profile and develop your professional brand online.
- Schedule a Handshake appointment for resume reviews or career guidance.
- Use Resume Worded, an AI-driven tool that provides instant, personalized feedback and optimization for your resume.
- Meet with Career Services for one-on-one resume support.
- Schedule a Mock Interview on Handshake to strengthen your interview skills with a Career Coach.
Phase 4: take action
Apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school
- Use Handshake, Bellevue University’s online job platform, to search internships, job postings, and upcoming career events.
- Explore Micro-Internships through partnerships with organizations of all sizes—from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies.
- Attend Career Services events, including Fall and Spring Career Fairs and school-based career development opportunities.
Gain relevant experience
- Complete a micro-internship or internship to gain hands-on skills.
- Participate in a Forage virtual work experience—a free 6–8 hour online program designed by leading companies to help you practice real-world tasks and develop career-ready skills.
- Volunteer in your community to build leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Grow your network
- Use LinkedIn to connect with faculty, alumni, and visiting employers.
- Join professional associations in your industry to expand your connections and stay informed.
For additional resources to guide you through your career development process, visit the Job Prep Menu on our website.