Career Counseling & Self Help
Career Exploration Group
This is a 6-week group for motivated students who are struggling with finding a major or career path. The group meets once a week for 90 minutes over the course of six consecutive weeks. Guided discussion in a supportive environment and a variety of career assessments will help students widen and/or narrow choices. Assessments include the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. By the end of the six weeks, students can expect to feel more secure about their career direction. To see if the Career Exploration Group is right for you, call the Counseling Center and request a screening.
Individual Career Counseling
- What is Career Counseling like at the Counseling Center?
- How long does it take?
- Do I need to make an appointment?
- What is available without an appointment?
- When is the Career Library Open?
- Other Campus Resources
What is Career Counseling like at the Counseling Center?
Our goal is to help you understand your personality style, values and interests so you can pursue a major and career that fits you. "Find a career that you are passionate about and you will never have to work a day in your life!"
Career counseling consists of sitting down with a member of the Counseling Center staff, in the privacy of a confidential relationship. It can include discussing what you’ve done so far, what you’ve been considering, and what you’re involved in now. Your strengths, weaknesses, barriers and opportunities are explored in a supportive and confidential setting.
- Assess interests, personality style, and work values
- Investigate the variety of options regarding majors, occupations, and careers
- Take career assessment inventories that fit your needs
- Learn about the world of work: Salaries, job duties, requirements, etc.
- Explore barriers to the decision-making process
Whether or not formal assessments are used, the process of career counseling will generally help clarify and identify your personal interests, abilities, and values so that majors and occupations may be identified for further exploration.
How long does it take?
Most students want to make a choice as soon as possible. The sooner you can decide, the more motivated you will be in classes. This means less time spent earning your degree, and the less money you will be investing in your degree. However, rushing to make a decision tends to lead to second-guessing later on. For most students, career counseling is a 3-5 session process (50 minute appointments).
Do I need to make an appointment?
Yes, to meet with a counselor, it is necessary to set up an appointment. Students also need to make an appointment if they wish to use testing because assessments vary according to students’ needs. Also, the counselor will know you better when the results of testing are being discussed.
What is available without an appointment?
Self-help career choice materials and information about careers are available to all students in our career library. The career library has a variety of books about occupational opportunities in all of the majors at UW Oshkosh. These books can be checked out or reviewed in the library. We also have general resource books like America’s Fastest Growing Jobs, Best Jobs for the 21st Century, Guide to College Majors, etc. The Career Library is open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Other Campus Resources
In addition to the Counseling Center, the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh offers other exceptional resources to help students clarify and enhance their academic and career direction.
Career Services
Student Success Center Suite 125
424-2181
The Career Services Office has experts in the world of work who will assist you in planning, preparation and obtaining employment while providing the opportunity for you to network with employers. Career services staff can help you tailor your academic and work experiences to explore different careers, obtain an internship and help you get a great job after graduation.
Undergraduate Advising Resource Center (UARC)
Student Success Center Suite 202
424-1268
Your academic advisor is a vital resource whose mission is to help you articulate and achieve your personal, educational and career goals by providing relevant information, resources and support. Academic advisors are very knowledgeable about university policies and procedures, as well as general education and degree requirements. Your advisor will help you explore your options and be your advocate, while allowing YOU to make the final decision.
Academic Advising Website
Faculty
The Faculty at UW Oshkosh, while nationally and internationally known for their research and professional work, are committed to helping students develop their academic and professional interests. You are encouraged to talk to faculty and department chairs about your interests and developing direction, get involved with student/faculty research and discuss opportunities in various fields. Who could be a better resource for learning about a profession than someone who has dedicated their life's work to that field?