Discover Your Career Possibilities

College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) majors prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We encourage you to think creatively about how to connect your experience to all kinds of occupations. Our career coaches are here to help you understand the changing nature of work and your career journey.

Exploring your opportunities is one of five phases of a Career Development Cycle that we all experience. You can find out about how experiencing the five phases and discovering your “sense of self” helps you decide on your major or career. The information below can help you find out more about the occupations and career areas that interest you.

What is important to you?

A “good job” gives you more than just a paycheck. The type of work you do influences all parts of your life. For example, the location and hours you work affect the time you spend with family and friends. And you are more likely to enjoy jobs that are related to your interests, values, skills and strengths.

When researching which occupations might fit you, also think about access, job quality, pay, and related occupations.

  • Access: Hiring requirements and job availability
    • Ask -- How many jobs are available near where I want to live? If needed, do I want to go to graduate school or enter special training?
    • Look For -- Related experience; education requirements; and credentials needed for entry-level jobs.
    • Find Out -- Number of job openings; projected growth and future job openings.
  • Job quality: Work environment, schedule and compensation
    • Ask -- Does this opportunity fit my values and interests? What type of work setting fits my personality (hospital, corporation, outdoors, school, etc.)? Is this job a good fit for my current lifestyle?
    • Look For -- Benefits and perks that fit your life; work shifts that fit your schedule.
    • Find Out -- If jobs are typically full time, part time, permanent, contract or seasonal.
  • Pay: Salary or wages
    • Ask -- What salary range aligns with my preferred lifestyle and goals? In a few years, what might be my potential income?
    • Look For -- Low, median and high wages for an occupation.
    • Find Out -- Average pay for this job where you want to live; compensation offered by specific employers.
  • Related occupations: Jobs in the same career area
    • Ask -- What are my transferable skills? Which industries or career cluster do I want to be part of my career journey?
    • Look For -- Other occupations using the same skills, abilities and knowledge; similar jobs in different work settings.
    • Find Out -- Higher level jobs related to this entry-level position; access, job quality and pay for similar occupations.

Ways to find information

Talk to People

You already have people in your life who can help you research careers. Your family, friends, other students, instructors and advisors are all part of your network. Ask them if they know people who are working in the careers you are interested in.

Student Activities & Professional Associations

Attending events sponsored by groups related to your major is a good way to meet people in your career field. Joining an association and participating in committees helps you to develop leadership skills and learn more about career possibilities.

Online Tools

There is so much information out there that it can get overwhelming. These websites have trusted information about careers related to CEHD majors. Contact Career Services for more resources.

Labor Market Information

These are a few of several websites where you can find access, job quality, pay and more information for hundreds of occupations. Find out how to use these websites to research occupations related to your major.

What next?

Use the resources above to create a short list of potential occupations that could be part of your career journey.

Next, check out the Majors and Career Exploration page to find out how to Engage, Make Decisions and Set Goals.

Make an appointment with Career Services at any time in your exploration and decision-making process.