When you were a kid, you might have dreamed of becoming an astronaut, a firefighter, a doctor, or maybe even an ice cream taste tester. However, as you age, you will most likely trade in your childhood dream for something that fits your strengths, interests, and reality a little better. But figuring out what you actually want to do (and how to get there) can feel a bit murky.
Instead of guessing or hoping something works out, researching potential career paths will help you get real insight into what different jobs are actually like, what they require, and whether they fit your goals. Whether you’re just starting college or considering a career change, learning how to research potential careers can make a big difference.
Why Do I Need to Do Career Research?
When you think about certain jobs, you might picture the version we’ve seen on TV or in movies. Maybe you imagine a lawyer dramatically delivering closing arguments in court, like in A Few Good Men. Or a doctor racing down hospital hallways à la Grey’s Anatomy. Or maybe you assume any office job will feel like the soul-crushing monotony of Office Space.
But the truth is, those are exaggerated (or at the very least, incomplete) portrayals of what those careers really look like day to day. That’s why career research is so important. It helps you go beyond the stereotypes and get a real-world understanding of what a job involves.
By digging deeper into career exploration, you can:
- Avoid choosing a career based solely on assumptions
- Discover options that align with your actual strengths and interests
- Make smarter decisions about majors, internships, and long-term goals
How Do I Find the Best Career For Me?
As with any important decision, there are multiple ways to examine options and next steps.
Self-Reflection
Think about your strengths, values, and interests. What do you actually enjoy doing? Do you like working with people or solving problems solo? Are you drawn to structure or flexibility? Tools like personality assessments or career aptitude tests can help you connect the dots for the right job fit.
Explore Reputable Job Databases
When you’re starting your career path research, knowing where to look makes all the difference. Several platforms are packed with helpful, trustworthy information, while others…not so much.
Start with comprehensive job databases like
Then, check out real-world job listings to see what employers are currently looking for. Pay attention to required skills, software, certifications, and soft skills. This gives you a clearer picture of what’s expected. Sites like LinkedIn, Monster, and ZipRecruiter are great for browsing openings and identifying common qualifications or keywords used in your field of interest.
Just be mindful of where you’re clicking. Several platforms, like Craigslist, might include outdated or lower-quality listings that aren’t as reliable or transparent about job details. Always double-check the source, and when in doubt, stick with more established or professionally verified sites.
By combining research databases with current listings, you’ll get a clearer picture of what a role looks like in real life, and what it takes to get there.
Connect With Real People In Your Desired Career Field
Job descriptions can only tell you so much. One of the best ways to understand a career is by talking to people who actually do the work. These conversations, often called informational interviews, can give you a real-world perspective you won’t find online.
Start by reaching out to:
- Professors who have industry experience
- Advisers in your college’s career center
- Alumni from your school
- Professionals on LinkedIn who are in roles you’re curious about
You can also explore niche networking groups that align with your identity or interests like: organizations for Black professionals, LGBTQ+ industry groups, women in STEM, or faith-based career networks to name a few. These communities often host events, mentorship programs, and virtual meetups designed to help you build connections in a more inclusive and supportive environment.
If you’re lucky, one of these conversations may turn into an ongoing relationship with a mentor, someone who can offer advice, open doors, or help you navigate decisions as your career evolves.
A quick note of etiquette: Informational interviews aren’t job interviews. You’re not pitching yourself or angling for a position; you’re there to learn. Be respectful of the person’s time, come prepared with thoughtful questions, and send a thank-you message afterward. Most people are happy to share what they know, especially when you approach them with genuine curiosity.
Give A Career a Test Run
You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. In fact, exploring different career paths through real-life experience is one of the most innovative ways to learn what actually feels right to you.
Whether it’s an internship, a part-time job, a volunteer opportunity, or even a job shadowing day, these experiences give you a front-row seat to the daily realities of a profession. You’ll see what the pace is like, what kind of work you’d actually be doing, and whether the environment suits your strengths and personality.
It’s also a low-risk way to learn what doesn’t work for you, because discovering what you don’t enjoy is just as valuable as finding something you do.
Don’t overlook:
- Short-term internships, even unpaid ones if you have the financial capacity to do so.
- On-campus jobs that align with your interests (e.g., working in a lab or tutoring center).
- Community volunteering can expose you to mission-driven organizations or nonprofits.
- Job shadowing for a day or two, which many professionals are willing to allow if asked.
Even unrelated jobs can offer transferable skills. Working retail? You’re learning about customer service, time management, and communication. Helping at a summer camp? That’s leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Over time, these experiences help you refine your career goals and build your résumé, giving you an edge when it’s time to apply for full-time jobs later on.
How Can St. John’s University Help Find the Right Career For Me?
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. St. John’s University offers a full ecosystem of support from our University Career Services to help you explore, prepare, and launch your career.
Here’s a look at some of what’s available:
- Handshake: A dedicated job and internship platform tailored for St. John’s students and alumni, Handshake connects you with roles at top companies from Amazon and EY to the Wildlife Conservation Society and Madison Square Garden.
- One-on-One Advising: Meet with a career adviser for help choosing a major, building a resume, navigating a job search, or preparing for interviews.
- Aspire Mentor Program: Connect one-on-one with a St. John’s alumnus who can offer industry insight and career guidance and help you build confidence as you prepare for what’s next.
- Career Peers: Work with trained student leaders who can help with résumés, interview tips, grad school applications, and more.
- Career and Internship Fairs: Meet employers from a wide range of industries on campus throughout the year.
- Polished and Professional Series: Learn business networking, dining etiquette, and personal branding so you feel confident and career-ready.
- @GetHiredStJohns on LinkedIn: Tap into a community of alumni, mentors, and professionals who want to help students like you explore career paths.
St. John’s Advantage: Better Outcomes Than the National Average
At St. John’s University, career support delivers real results, and they outpace national trends. Nationally, only 77% of recent grads start working within three months of graduation, but 88.4% of St. John’s undergraduates were employed in their field or related roles within six months. For graduate students, that number is even higher: 96.6% reported being employed shortly after graduation.
While just 18% of recent grads nationwide say their salary exceeded expectations, St. John’s graduates regularly land roles at top employers like EY, JPMorgan Chase, NBCUniversal, and Northwell Health, with many entering high-demand fields like nursing, business, education, criminal justice, and environmental science, all ranked among the most “useful” majors nationally.