When you are trying to choose a career direction you may not know where to start. UFV counsellors have reviewed a number of career planning websites and other resources to help you focus your search. The following are some of our favourites:
1. Career Cruising
This is a Canadian site with information on about 500 careers that is updated annually. Answer the free career matching questionnaire to see which occupations match your interests. Be sure to answer all 116 questions, not just the first 39. Then spend some time reading the descriptions of the occupations. The service is free but you’ll need a username and password available from Student Services.
2. Career Navigator
The Canadian government’s site has numerous online quizzes to help you understand your work abilities, interests and preferences. You receive a list of matching occupations to help you make informed career decisions.
3. What Do You Want To Be?
http://www.salisbury.edu/careerservices/Students/
CareerInventories/Quiz/default.asp
This website from the University of Salisbury at has a free assessment to help you determine your Holland Code, a three-letter code used in career planning. View information about each interest type, read the descriptions, then find out more about careers and majors within that interest group. Look at all of the careers in your top three or four interest areas, then click on occupations you are interested in to find out more information.
4. Typefocus
This is a 66-item personality style questionnaire based on the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. After you have completed it, read the general description and career insights sections. There is no need to pay for the Full Interactive program.
5. WorkBC
This is the B.C. government’s one-stop site for career information. It includes links to education planning resources, a guide for parents, industry profiles, self employment information, licensing and credential information as well as special resources for people with specific needs or interests. The section on labour market statistics includes information on the B.C. labour market outlook where you can find out about the demand for various occupations throughout the province.
6. Education Planner
Find out information about undergraduate progams, application dates, tuition fees, admission requirements, etc. from the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer. Compare programs to help you find out the best institution for you.
7. Trades Training: Industry Training Authority
The Industry Training Authority is the provincial Crown agency responsible for managing B.C.’s industry training system. Their website has descriptions of occupations as well as lots of information about apprenticeship and Red Seal programs.
8. Employment Sites
Job search sites can help you find out more about the world of work and potential careers. Get a better understanding of the jobs available and the knowledge and skills you will need in various professions.
More Tips
- Talk to your professors about how they made their career choices.
- Visit the UFV Career Centre to learn about Co-operative Education and whether it might apply to you.
- Write an initial resume months, even years, before you will need it. Look for ways to add experiences to it.
- Sign up for a career and life planning workshop offered by the UFV counselling department.
- Make an appointment with a UFV counsellor.