Career Exploration Resources

This free resource lets you take five short personality tests and work preference inventories. Then, it uses AI to match your results to Penn State degree programs that align with your strengths and interests. The quizzes are brief, but take them when you can focus because your level of attention can influence the results. Also, keep in mind that confirmation bias can affect how you interpret the outcomes.

That’s why it’s helpful to review your results with a career coach. Together, you can discuss what the information means and how to use it as a starting point for exploring the many possibilities available to you.

Focus 2

If you want to identify your career-ready strengths and discover ways to grow your professional skills, Career Launch is the tool for you. It lets you self-assess the eight NACE career competencies that employers look for when hiring.

Understanding these skills and being able to show them on your resume or in interviews can help you stand out from the crowd.

Career Launch

O*NET OnLine is a powerful and comprehensive resource for exploring careers and job categories. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and developed by the National Center for O*NET Development, the site offers detailed information on emerging job trends and the skills needed for a wide range of roles across industries.

Because the site is so thorough, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Take your time, explore at your own pace, and plan to revisit it regularly. Over time, you'll uncover valuable insights about new and emerging career paths, fast-growing industries, and occupations that match your current skill set.

O*NET Online

This free resource is designed to support first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students. It helps you build networking skills, explore career opportunities, and apply to positions at companies that value your unique perspective. Whether you're looking to fill in knowledge gaps or just want answers to common questions FGLI students face, you'll find helpful tools here. Check out the career video library and connect with mentors who are eager to support your success.

To get started, click “Join the CareerSpring Network” and then “Request to Join.” Fill in the requested information using your Penn State (@psu.edu) email address and enter "PSU" for the school's passcode. You will receive an email with your approved request. If you have questions, schedule a meeting with an IST Career Coach through Starfish.

CareerSpring

LionLink is a networking platform similar to LinkedIn, but just for the Penn State community. It's open exclusively to Penn State students, staff, and alumni, and everyone on the platform is there with the shared goal of mentoring and supporting student success.

Each semester, alumni also offer real-world projects that give students the chance to gain experience and build their résumés. One of the most valuable features is the ability to request informational interviews with industry professionals and alumni who are eager to share their insights. You never know where one great conversation might take you.

LionLink