What's next?

Group of people walking on a park path,

As you consider "What comes next?" it's essential to approach this exploration with a sense of curiosity, openness, and strategic action. Here are three pathways to guide your journey:

  1. Dive Deep into Learning Experiences
  2. Forge Connections through Networking
  3. Practice and Strengthen Your Career Decision-Making Skills

 

Want to dig a bit deeper? Try these resources:

Update LinkedIn as your future self

Positive Uncertainty

1. Dive Deep into Learning Experiences

Immerse yourself in various learning environments to broaden your understanding and gain new perspectives.

Explore programs that offer experiential learning opportunities, allowing you to test the waters of various professions in a real-world context. The University of Toronto, for instance, offers programs that enable you to engage directly with industries and roles of interest. These experiences are invaluable; they glimpse potential careers and help you understand your preferences and aversions more clearly.

Work Study Program - Twice a year (fall-winter and summer), the Work Study program offers paid, on-campus positions that allow you to deepen your knowledge, strengthen your skills and explore how your academic studies translate to career possibilities.

Start exploring Folio for involvement opportunities. Record your achievements beyond the classroom and receive an official University of Toronto document recognizing your activities.

Experiential Learning Hub—UofT -The Experiential Learning Hub is a resource that supports students in navigating and discovering impactful, experiential learning experiences.

Arts and Sciences - Experiential Learning - The Faculty of Arts & Science offers a unique range of programs to help students gain an experiential and international perspective on their studies.

Center for Community Partnerships - CCP offers leadership opportunities to volunteers, supporting community non-profits while developing knowledge and skills.

2. Forge Connections through Networking

 

Building a robust network is not just about collecting contacts—it's about cultivating meaningful relationships with individuals who share your interests and aspirations. Participate in networking workshops and attend events that bring together like-minded individuals. The Career Exploration & Education provides numerous opportunities to engage with professionals through their events and workshops. This is your chance to learn from those who've navigated their paths successfully and can offer insights into the realities of different fields.

Attend a Networking Strategies workshop (register on CLNx)

 

Try this activity:  Try updating your LinkedIn as your future self

3. Practice and Strengthen Your Career Decision-Making Skills

 

Making career decisions is a skill that can be honed through practice and reflection.

  • Reflect on Your Values and Skills: Before diving into specific roles or industries, take the time to reflect on what matters most to you in a career. What are your core values? What skills do you enjoy using? Know Your Skills, Exploring Meaningful Work, Career Purpose Statements, Envisioning Your Future can support your reflection in these areas (See What is Important to me? page for reflection resources)
  • Seek Out Mentorship: Connect with mentors in fields of interest through university alumni networks or professional associations. These relationships can offer invaluable guidance and insights as you navigate your career path. Mentorship & peer programs
  • Embrace Positive Uncertainty: Positive Uncertainty is a way to make career decisions that recognizes careers can be unpredictable and confusing. It teaches you to embrace uncertainty positively and follow four key ideas: stay flexible with your goals, question what you know, be realistic and hopeful, and mix practical actions with creative thinking.
  • E-book Collection - for e-books about career exploration, developing a career plan and learning what's important to you.

Looking for more ways to explore?

  • What is important to me?: Gain some insight into how self-reflection can help you as you explore future career directions

  • What's out there?: Explore strategies and tools that help you align your core values and needs in career decision-making