Explore Career Paths

2 (students discuss in a group)

You don’t have to be sure—just stay curious and open.

For Second-Year Sophomores • First-Year Transfer • First-Year Graduate Students

Start narrowing your focus and building confidence in your career direction. This step helps you explore real-world paths and develop your résumé, interview skills, and connections.

What To Do

Open each item to find links, tools, and support to help you take action.

  • Use What Can I Do with This Major? → select your major or a similar major → view the listed areas → review the common career paths and employers → select 2 to 3 career paths that interest you.
  • Learn about Careers in Los Angeles by Industry to discover employers and common careers, and watch video interviews with professionals in their careers.
  • Explore the Professional Associations Search website to connect with professional associations in your career path of interest. Professional associations offer valuable insights into how to get into the career. → enter a job title of interest  → select an association of interest  → review the association for student resources.
  • Not sure about your career interests? Try out experiences in a virtual job simulation designed by top companies using Explore Career Paths: Career Experiences with Forage. Discover your career interests and build career-ready skills to add to your résumé.
  • Still not sure? Take our Focus2 Career Assessment to find jobs and majors that match your interests, values, and personality.

  • Attend events labeled as guidance on the Handshake Events tab to learn about different career options and hear directly from professionals.
  • Attend with purpose—explore career paths and dress professionally to leave a lasting impression. Need support? The Career Clothing Closet can help you find the right look for every opportunity.
  • After attending an event, take the next step—connect with professionals who can share their real-world insight.
    • Go to the People tab in Handshake to find alumni in your major.
    • Go to the Employers tab in Handshake to find employers of interest and connect with the people listed on the employer page.
    • Talk with 2 to 3 alumni or professionals who share your interests.
    • Use our Career Conversation Questions to guide your conversations and gain deeper insight.

  • Use our College Résumé Sample in our Résumé & Letter Builder to write your first draft.
    • Inside the builder, get feedback using the "AI review" feature or "submit for human review" feature to get feedback from approved Career Center staff.
    • For more information about résumé sections and formatting, read our College Résumé Guide.
  • Use our Interview Practice System → choose a mock interview → select a general one and choose an internship interview.
    • Inside the practice system, get feedback using the AI review feature, which provides you with insightful, step-by-step tips on how to improve your interview performance.
    • Complete Fast Track and Mastery Track lessons so you know exactly what to expect and how to answer questions.
  • Preparing now helps you build confidence even before you're actively applying. 

We’re Here to Help

Career Guides

Get Support

Schedule a Career Center appointment through Navigate LA (Student Life & Wellness) for:

  • Career Exploration & Planning
  • Résumé & Cover Letter Writing
  • Interview Practice
Cal State LA Career Center

 

Call: 323.343.3237

Email: [email protected]

Visit: Between the Student Health Center and the University Gym

Hours: M-Th, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.