Career Exploration and Planning

Are you unsure about which jobs align with your major or future degree? These tools can help:

By Major or Job Title

• What Can I Do with This Major – See common career areas, employers, and tips for every major.
• Education Crosswalk Search – Match majors to job titles or search by interest areas: Browse by Interest.
• Professional Associations Search – Find organizations by major or job to explore career insights.
• Career Experiences with Forage – Try virtual job simulations from real companies.
• Employers by Major – See which California employers hire for your major.
• Health Professions Info – Explore medical career pathways.

By Industry

• Careers in Los Angeles – Explore major LA industries, employers, and career videos.
• Careers in the U.S. – See top careers, growth, and needed skills.
• Business Finder – Find 12M+ employers by industry, job title, or location.

In Government

• CA Jobs by Industry – Browse jobs in California state government.
• Federal Jobs by Major – Match majors with U.S. government careers.

At Nonprofits

• Nonprofit Careers -See how majors connect to nonprofit roles.

In Freelance

• Freelance Career Fields – Learn about top freelance paths and fast-growing industries.

In Entrepreneurship

• Entrepreneurship Basics – Learn how to start your own business in any field.
• CA Small Business Support – Find free advising, training, and funding resources to start or grow a business in California.
• CA Professional License Guide – Check if your business idea requires a license.

Once you know your career direction, use these tools to plan and prepare for further education.

• Grad School Resources – Find Cal State LA guides for applying and writing your personal statement. Meet with faculty for field-specific advice.
• ImaginePhD – Career exploration tool for students in the humanities and social sciences.
• MyIDP – Explore career paths for science grads and PhDs.
• Health Professions Info – Learn about careers in medicine and other health fields, developed by Cal State LA faculty.

• Focus2 Career Assessment – Explore careers and majors that match your interests, skills, personality, and values.
• Community Cultural Wealth – Reflect on the strengths you bring from your background and how they apply to your career journey.

These tools help you explore starting pay, long-term earnings, and job outlooks:

• CSU Graduate Earnings – See average salaries by major for Cal State LA grads. Choose “Los Angeles” to get started.
• WASC Post-Grad Outcomes -– Search "California State University–Los Angeles" and view earnings under "Post-Grad Outcomes."
• Job Future Caster – Browse jobs by category, then check salary data by state or metro area.
• The College Payoff – Compare lifetime earnings by degree, major, career field, and location.

Your classes, activities, and life experiences shape your professional brand. Use these tools to define and share it.

• Cultivate Your Professional Identity – Learn how your background and strengths connect to career skills.
• Professional Brand Worksheet – Craft your brand for résumés, profiles, interviews, and networking.
• Professional Brand Review – Review and polish your professional introduction.

See how your college and life experiences shape your professional brand. Watch: Build Your Brand

Start with a plan to gain experience, explore your interests, and grow your network.

• Development Timelines – See what to do each year to build your brand and career readiness.
• Career Action Plan Checklist – Track how you’ll explore careers and connect with others.
• Career Action Plan Template – Map out your goals for each semester.

One of the best ways to learn about a job or major is to speak with professionals who’ve been there.

• Career Conversation Questions – Use these to guide your chats with professionals and alumni.
• Cal State LA Alumni Mentoring Program -– Get support from Cal State LA grads who want to help you grow.
• Cal State LA Handshake – Message employers, join events, and connect with professionals.
• Professional Associations Search – Network through career-specific groups, many with student events and mentoring.

Hear how college graduates explored their careers and what they wish they knew earlier. Watch: Advice from Graduates