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Explore Careers

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The World at Your Doorstep

The beauty of a liberal arts degree is that it allows you to develop a broad range of skills that can be applied to almost any career. Employers in all fields value the abilities to communicate clearly, to work collaboratively with others, and to research and evaluate solutions to problems.

Choosing a major

Three Key Takeaways

Not sure what major to choose? You’re not alone: nationwide, about 80% of students change their major at least once. The Career Connections Center can help you consider your options and choose a major you’ll love — then build a satisfying career.

Student writing in notebook

1. Major Does Not Equal Career

Your major complements your skills and experiences.

Explore Clark’s majors and minors
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2. Align Your Interests with Your Major

You have a greater chance to excel when you choose a major you are passionate about.

Explore Clark’s majors and minors
Student talking to employer

3. Research Your Options

Be open-minded and consider all your options. Do some research and talk to others before making a decision.

1. Major Does Not Equal Career

Your major complements your skills and experiences.

Explore Clark’s majors and minors
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Wondering which career is right for you?

Follow these steps, and check out our extensive resources to explore careers, connect with employers and alumni, and identify what you might do after graduation.

  • FOCUS 2: This online tool is an excellent way to begin your major and career exploration. Complete the short self-assessment section and let FOCUS 2 connect your interests and skills to Clark majors and possible career paths.
    First-time users: Create your free profile here: Create a New FOCUS 2 Account. Use this access code: cougar.
    Already have an account? Login here: Log in Here.
  • Strong Interest Explorer: This self-scoring booklet will help you identify the kinds of industries or work that may interest you. See who your career adviser is here to get a copy and schedule an appointment on Handshake to discuss your results.
  • Clark Career Advisers: Explore your options and discuss your thoughts with one of our career advisers. Schedule an appointment on Handshake now.
  • FOCUS2: This online tool is an excellent way to begin your major and career exploration. Complete the short self-assessment section and let FOCUS 2 connect your interests and skills to Clark majors and possible career paths.
    First-time users: Create your free profile here: Create a New FOCUS 2 Account. Use this access code: cougar.
    Already have an account? Login here: Log in Here.
  • What Can I Do With This Major?: Whether you are exploring multiple majors or searching for information about your chosen field, “What Can I Do With This Major?” will help you connect major disciplines to possible careers, as well as suggest strategies to make you a more marketable candidate.
  • O*Net Online: Published by the U.S. Department of Labor, the O*Net Online database will help you get a detailed sense of what it’s like to work in more than 900 jobs. 
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH): Published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the OOH database offers salary data, demand outlook, and other statistics on hundreds of occupations 
  • ClarkCONNECT: Browse alumni profiles to see what other paths Clarkies have taken through ClarkCONNECT. Reach out for informational interviews (see below).
  • LinkedIn:  Find more Clark alumni on LinkedIn, and see what paths and first jobs they have had. Reach out for informational interviews (see below).
  • Career advisers: Set up a customized plan to try out your options. Make an appointment with a career advisor on Handshake.
  • Explore more resources: Download our “Exploration Resources” PDF.
  • Informational interviews:  Talk to alumni and others; learn from people in an industry that interests you.  Find them on ClarkCONNECT or LinkedIn; read our Informational Interviewing Guide for tips and useful questions.
  • Internships, volunteering, and job shadowing: Explore what’s available on Handshake to see what a career or organization is really like.
  • Career advisers: Set up a customized plan to try out your options. Make an appointment now.
career fair

Fairs and Recruiting

Employers are on campus throughout the year for career fairs, information sessions, panel discussions, and other recruiting events. Browse the events calendar so you don’t miss your chance to be face-to-face with them.

girls standing under opportunity @ work sign

Career Treks

Career Discovery Treks allow students to gain insight into a variety of career fields in one trip. Treks are interactive field trips where students meet with alumni, learn what skills are needed in various industries, expand their professional networks, and increase their awareness of career possibilities.

student with director standing in front of sign for centers for disease control office

Alumni Job Shadow Program

A job shadow offers a one-to-one opportunity for students to explore possible careers, get a behind-the-scenes look at specific companies and industries, and build their professional network. Students shadow an alumna/us employer-host for approximately one day at their workplace to learn firsthand what a typical day looks like.

Contact Information

Career Connections Center

Office Location
  • Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center (ASEC Building)
    939 Main St.
    Worcester, MA 01610

  • 1-508-793-7258
  • 1-508-421-3752 Fax
  • cservices[at]clarku[dot]edu
Career Lab Hours
  • The Career Lab offers on-demand reviews of resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles 12 – 4 pm weekdays. Upload your documents, or make an appointment for the Career Lab on Handshake!