Defining a career path is an important and often daunting task. At Marquette, students get help charting a course from our excellent staff at the Career Services Center.

Much of your life has been laid out in front of you so far. You started elementary school, were off to middle school, high school and eventually college. But what about life after college? We'll provide guidance before you head out into the working world. Our advisers can help you identify a position that fits your talents and degree. Remember, there are several steps to take to get where you want to be.

To make a good career decision, first become aware of your interests, skills areas and work values. The Career Services Center staff will help you through surveys and personal counseling sessions. This self-assessment is a crucial part of the career planning process, and it can begin as early as your freshman year.

Once you've identified your interests, skills, values and personality traits, you'll want to take the next step. That means doing research to learn more about different careers that might appeal to you. Let the Career Services Center staff be your guide. Take advantage of the many resources available at the center, including publications that profile job vacancies and industry information, and a variety of directories that help job seekers uncover potential employers or appropriate graduate schools. And when you're ready, the Career Services Center staff will offer key insights on résumé and cover letter writing and give you opportunities to participate in mock interviews and two career fairs on campus. (Employers often come to campus to interview our students.)

Of course, the Career Services Center will also help you obtain internships and shadow opportunities with professionals, both of which are ample here thanks to Marquette's strong reputation and location in downtown Milwaukee.

At Marquette, we believe you ought to pursue a major and career path that you're passionate about. If you excel in that pursuit in college, you're more likely to find a fulfilling career - a calling - and will have more success as a professional. And that's worth more than any degree.