How to make your mark and discover your path

Kyra Raye Loch — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:34:40 +0000

How to make your mark and discover your path Kyra Raye Loch Fri, 08/08/2025 - 10:34

Career Services

After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. This is your moment to explore what truly sparks your interest, whether that’s through campus involvement, service, research or stepping up as a leader. Every hobby, club or class you dive into can be a steppingstone to discovering your purpose and connecting your passions to meaningful plans after graduation.

Whether you’re considering joining a new student organization, delving into a research project or taking on a leadership role, there are plenty of ways to start charting a course that feels right for you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

Reflect on your experiences

Take a moment to appreciate your progress so far—you’ve already gained valuable experiences in your journey. Grab a notebook and reflect on the classes you’ve enjoyed most and the moments that energized you in your academic program. Perhaps collaborating on group projects or tackling challenges stood out as especially rewarding.

Now, think about your involvement beyond the classroom. Joining student organizations, participating in athletics, attending events or working a part-time job or internship all help shape your story. Which activities sparked your excitement? Which roles made you feel confident or inspired? Did you try something new or step into a leadership role that surprised you with what you could accomplish?

Remember, your values and strengths can also help guide your next steps. If you want support, Career Services offers appointments to help turn your interests into future adventures.

Explore different paths

Once you’ve reflected on your experiences and interests, explore your options for the new academic year:

Research possible careers using tools like “What Can I Do With This Major?” Read through the skills and tasks to get a sense of different roles and if you could see yourself in them.

Attend the Be Involved Fair on Aug. 27 to explore and join student organizations.

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ your professor’s office hours to ask about research opportunities.

Consider volunteering or learning about leadership this semester.

Conduct informational interviews with people who are working in the same jobs or industries that you’re considering. This can help you get a better idea of what it's like to actually work in the field.

Look for internships or part-time jobs that are relevant to a career you’re considering in order to experience it yourself.

Participate in career fairs, events and workshops to network, learn about industry trends and get more tips for making decisions about your future.

Talk it out

As you consider different paths, it can help to talk about your next steps with someone. This could be an advisor, faculty member, supervisor, family member, mentor or friend. They may be able to share a different perspective or insight that can help you figure out what you’d like to do after college.

Career advisors and coaches in Career Services can also help you explore options and share additional resources during an appointment. Learn more about getting started with Career Services.

After your first year of college, you’re in an exciting position to shape what comes next. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time on campus and guide you as you turn your interests and experiences into a fulfilling post-graduation path.

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Connect with purpose: Mentorship 101

Kyra Raye Loch — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:24:12 +0000

Connect with purpose: Mentorship 101 Kyra Raye Loch Fri, 08/08/2025 - 10:24

By Career Services

Listen to this article

Having a mentor can be a game-changer during your time in college. A good mentor can support you as you work toward your goals, answer your questions and give you encouragement if things get challenging. Whether you want to improve academically, plan for your future or just need advice, having a mentor can really help.

If you’re interested in mentorship this semester, here are some simple steps to help you find the right mentor for your college journey.

Start with why

Before you look for a mentor, take a moment to think about what you hope to gain from the experience. Mentors can assist in all kinds of ways, so it helps to know what you’re looking for. Set a few goals—do you want advice about your major, support making connections or help planning for the future? Knowing what you want will make it easier to find a mentor who’s the right fit for you.

Consider people you already know

Mentors don’t always come from formal programs—often, they can be people you already know. Mentors might be family members, supervisors at a part-time job, coaches, professors, teaching assistants or anyone you admire in your community.

Think about who inspires you or is on a path you’d like to follow. Make a short list of people who fit the qualities you’re looking for in a mentor, and jot down why each person stands out to you. This will help you focus your search and approach someone who’s a good match for your goals.

Check out mentorship programs

Students also have the option to join a structured mentorship program, which can make connecting with someone even easier. Consider checking out opportunities like the Bloom peer mentorship program in the Center for Student Involvement or the Forever Buffs Network Mentorship Program, which is designed to match you with someone who can support your goals. You can also see if mentorship programs are offered by your college or school.

Make the pitch

Sometimes, mentorships develop naturally—you might find yourself meeting regularly with someone, learning from their experiences and seeking their advice without ever formally calling them your mentor.

Other times, you may need to ask someone directly to be your mentor. If so, think about why you’d like them to guide you and what you hope to gain. When you reach out, explain clearly why you believe they're a good fit and what kind of support you’re looking for. Whenever possible, have this conversation in person, and be thoughtful and intentional with your request.

Potential mentors are all around you, and with a little initiative, you can find the right person to support your journey. When you discover a good match, you’ll notice the difference—having a mentor can positively influence your college experience and help you grow both personally and professionally.

For those considering career paths and planning for life after graduation, Career Services offers invaluable support tailored to help you discover opportunities and achieve your ambitions.

Having a mentor can be a game-changer during your time in college. If you’re interested in mentorship this semester, here are some simple steps to help you find the right mentor for your journey.