9 Ways to Explore Your Career Interests in College

Student exploring his career interests at a job fair

July 10, 2026

Choosing a major or career path can feel like a lot of pressure, especially if you’re just starting college. While some students arrive on campus with a clear plan, many spend their first year exploring different subjects, experiences, and opportunities before deciding what feels right.

Whether you’re unsure, thinking about a few majors, or just curious about careers, you have options. Here are nine ways to explore your interests in college.

1. Choose Introductory Courses That Interest You.

The first year of college is the perfect time to explore. General education courses expose you to a variety of subjects and can help you discover interests you may not have considered before.

A psychology class, a business elective, or a communication course could spark a new interest or help you realize that a particular field isn’t the right fit. Either way, you’re learning more about yourself and taking an important step toward choosing a major and career that align with your interests.

2. Take a Career Assessment.

Career assessments can help you identify your interests, strengths, values, and preferred work environments. While no assessment can determine your future career, the results may introduce you to majors and professions you hadn’t previously considered.

Here are a few trusted resources to help you get started:

Focus 2Career – Complete career and personality assessments, explore majors, and identify careers that align with your interests, strengths, and values.

O*NET OnLine – Research hundreds of careers, including job responsibilities, required skills, education, salary ranges, and projected job growth.

US Bureau of Labor Statistics – Compare careers using reliable information on median salaries, employment outlook, work environments, and educational requirements.

3. Join Student Organizations and Clubs.

Student organizations give you the opportunity to explore new interests, meet people with similar passions, and build valuable skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Sometimes, all it takes is one club meeting, guest speaker, or campus event to introduce you to a career path you never knew existed.

Callout: At St. John’s University, students can choose from more than 180 student clubs and organizations, making it easy to explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful connections outside the classroom.

4. Meet with Career Services.

Career Services isn’t just for seniors preparing to graduate. Meeting with a career adviser early in college can help you identify your strengths, explore majors and career paths, and create a plan for gaining experience before graduation.

Career advisers can also help you prepare résumés, practice interviewing, connect with employers, and identify internship opportunities that align with your interests.

5. Volunteer in Your Area of Interest.

Volunteering is a meaningful way to give back to your community while exploring careers that align with your interests and values. Whether you’re interested in health care, education, nonprofit organizations, or advocacy, volunteer experiences can help you discover what type of work you find most rewarding while building transferable skills employers value.

Callout: At St. John’s University, service is woven throughout the student experience through the University’s Vincentian mission. Students can participate in local community service projects, global service immersion opportunities, and programs like the Ozanam Scholars program while exploring careers.

6. Complete an Externship or Internship.

Many students begin exploring careers through externships or internships during their first or second year of college.

Externships are typically short-term experiences focused on observation and career exploration, while internships often involve hands-on responsibilities that help you build practical skills and professional confidence.

To find opportunities, connect with professors, academic advisers, or Career Services, or explore internship listings through your college’s career portal.

Callout: Located in the heart of New York City, St. John’s University provides students with access to internship and externship opportunities across a wide range of industries. Combined with the University’s strong employer and alumni network, these experiences help students explore careers while building valuable professional connections.

7. Connect with Recent Graduates.

Recent graduates often remember exactly what it felt like to choose a major, search for internships, and prepare for life after college. Their experiences can offer valuable perspective as you explore your own interests and career goals.

Ask how they chose their major, what experiences helped shape their career path, and what advice they would give to someone just getting started. Their stories may introduce you to opportunities you hadn’t previously considered.

8. Attend Industry Panels and Guest Speaker Events.

Many colleges host guest speakers, employer panels, and alumni events throughout the year. These experiences allow you to hear directly from professionals, ask questions, and learn what different careers are really like.

You may even discover emerging industries or career paths that weren’t on your radar before.

Callout: Throughout the year, St. John’s University hosts alumni panels, employer networking events, and guest speakers across its Schools and Colleges, giving students opportunities to learn directly from professionals and ask questions about different career paths.

9. Create Your Own Projects.

Not every opportunity to explore your interests happens inside a classroom or internship. Starting a blog, creating content, launching a small business, building a website, organizing a campus event, or developing a portfolio can also help you gain hands-on experience while discovering what excites you most.

Even if a project doesn’t become a long-term career, it can help you uncover strengths, build confidence, and develop skills that will benefit you wherever your path leads.

How St. John’s University Supports Career and Major Exploration

Choosing a major or career path doesn’t have to happen all at once. At St. John’s, students have access to a variety of resources designed to help them explore their interests, gain experience, and make informed decisions about their future.

Whether you’re taking courses across different disciplines, joining student organizations, participating in service opportunities, attending networking events, or connecting with faculty mentors, there are many ways to discover what excites you both inside and outside the classroom.

See How St. John's Supports Your Success

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal to not know what career you want in college?

Absolutely. Many students enter college undecided or change their career goals along the way. Exploring different opportunities is a normal and valuable part of the college experience.

Should first-year students use Career Services?

Yes. Career Services can help students explore interests, identify opportunities, and begin building professional skills from their first year onward.

How early should students start internships?

Students can begin exploring internships as early as their first year, although many complete their first internship during sophomore or junior year. Early career exploration can help students feel more prepared when internship opportunities arise.

What if I have too many interests?

Having multiple interests is common. Exploring different experiences can help you identify patterns and determine which opportunities align most closely with your goals.

Is it okay to change career goals during college?

Yes. Career exploration often leads students to discover new inte