North Dakota State University

Identify Your Skills and Interests

The first step to any career plan is to take into consideration your skills and occupation interests.  There are a variety of online assessments that will provide you feedback. The best way to visit with a Career Counselor at the NDSU Counseling Center.

• Career Counseling at NDSU (Counseling Center)
• "Choices Planner" Career Guidance System (Counseling Center)
• O*NET Skills Search
• Career Strategies for Freshmen and Sophomores

Explore NDSU Majors

With more than 100 majors, NDSU has a lot to offer for students that are looking to explore a few majors.  Visit with your academic advisor or an advisor in the College of University Studies to begin taking introduction level courses that will give you a taste of what to expect within each major.

• Majors at NDSU
• What Can I Do With This Major?
• Job Titles by Major
• Academic Advising at NDSU

Investigate Occupations

After you've identified your skills and interests, it is time for you to explore different career opportunities that are available to you.  Employers may call the same type of position by a variety of names, may be looking for specific majors and many don't require a specific major, but look for a candidate with the required skills. Visit with a Career Specialist at the Career Center to develop a job search strategy that works for you and your interests.

• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• O*Net
• How To Become Any Career (information on over 300 careers)
• NDSU Annual Employment Report (Salary Statistics)

Gain Experience

Hands on experience is the best way to learn if a career you are interested in is a good fit.  You can do this through an internship or cooperative education experience, part-time work, summer jobs, or volunteering.

• Employment
• Service Learning