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Career Counseling & Self Help

Over one-third of entering students at UW Oshkosh declare that they are undecided as to major/career choice. Some studies have shown that as many as 80% of entering college students have a high level of uncertainty as to choice of major. So if you're not sure, you have lots of company.

One of the most confusing things about choosing a major or career direction is figuring out where to start. The Counseling Center works very closely with other offices on campus, including Undergraduate Advising Resource Center (UARC), Career Services, and faculty to ensure that students get help from experts in several different areas.

The information below will describe the Counseling Center’s resources and answer some questions you might have about career counseling.

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?

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.

You and the counselor may decide that it would be useful for you to take a career interest inventory to learn more about how your interests compare with people in various careers. You may also decide to take a test to learn more about your personality type and how your personality fits with various fields. The results of all assessments will be fully discussed in a counseling session.

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.

You will then be given suggestions regarding where you can learn more about the majors and occupations suggested. These sources may include books and other information in our Career Library at the Counseling Center, persons employed in occupations under consideration, faculty members, prospective employers, and Career Services staff or your Academic Advisor.

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How long does it take?

Most students want to make a choice as soon as possible, however, you should know that there are a number of things you can and should do in order to arrive at a realistic and informed choice. These are all available at UW Oshkosh. These suggestions will not automatically result in a choice for you, but can assist you in the process of evaluating yourself, learning more about the options, which may be appropriate for you, and selecting a program to follow while at the University. The sooner students can decide, the more motivated they usually are, the less time they spend earning their degree, and the less money they have to invest in their degree.

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Do I need to make an appointment?

The Career Library is open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Our student workers and the Program Assistants are here to help you locate and use the resources and answer your questions.

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What is available without 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 the tests used vary according to students’ needs. Also, the counselor will know you better when the results of testing are being discussed.

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When is the Career Library Open?

Self-help career choice materials and information about careers are available to all students in our Career Library. This is a room at the Counseling Center with a variety of resources to help you decide what you want to do. These resources include:

WISCareers
An easy-to-use computerized program that can help students identify possible occupations that fit their interests, abilities, and values. It is also a source of information about occupations, salaries and job outlook that students find extremely helpful. Information about all universities, technical colleges and two-year colleges in the United States can be found on this program. Students can log-on with the help of the Center staff and student staff. Once logged on, you can enter this site from any computer.
http://wiscareers.wisc.edu

Books About Occupations and Careers
We have 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…

College Information
A collection of current catalogs from public and private universities as well as technical college information is available. General reference books about colleges and universities in the United States are also available.

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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
Dempsey Hall 230
424-1268
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)
Dempsey Hall 130
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?

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