Explore Careers
Some degree programs have a clear connection between the major and careers, such as nursing or accounting. Other programs like communication studies or psychology offer a wide array of career options.
Here are some resources to explore potential careers you could pursue after college.
Find Occupations by Major
If you have a few majors in mind, you can start by exploring what you can do with each major.
Learn about the variety of occupations available by major, top recommendations on how to prepare for success in these occupations, and links to professional and job search sites specifically targeted to this field or industry.
- Advertising Careers (Mass Communication Degree)
- Art: Studio Art Careers
- Communication Studies Careers
- Creative Digital Media Careers
- Criminal Justice Careers
- Dance Careers
- English Careers
- Film Studies Careers
- Global Studies Careers
- Graphic Design Careers
- History Careers
- Law and Society Careers
- Legal Studies & Paralegal Careers
- Music Careers
- Music: Business Careers
- Political Science Careers
- Psychology Careers
- Public Relations Careers (Mass Communication Degree)
- Social Work Careers
- Sociology Careers
- Spanish Careers
- Theatre Careers
Search Career Databases
Career databases have comprehensive information about occupations including what professionals in this field do, needed education and experience, typical salaries, and job outlook.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: A guide to hundreds of occupations offered by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- O*Net Online: A career exploration and job analysis tool sponsored by the US Department of Labor and the Employment & Training Administration
- CareerOneStop: A source for career exploration, training & jobs sponsored by the US Department of Labor
- CAREERwise: Minnesota’s comprehensive career, education, and job resource sponsored by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
No one knows an occupation better than professionals in the field, so why not go to the source for answers.
Informational interviews put you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to “interview” the person in the job.
- How did you prepare for this job? What was your degree? What other training and experiences were needed?
- Describe a typical work day. What do you do? What are the hours expected?
- Does this job offer growth potential? How so?
- What is best about this job? What is the absolute worst?
- Would you consider this job to be rewarding? If so, in what ways. If not, why not?
- Tell me about typical compensation in this occupation. Are there many opportunities opening up or is it difficult to find work?
- Does this job offer work/life balance?
- What do you wish you would have know as a student before getting into this field?
Want to get more first-hand experience?
Ask if this person would be willing (and able) to allow you to job shadow for a day or whether the company offers any internships for students.
Networking is just reaching out to people and trying to make connections.
- Ask family and friends if they know anyone working in this profession.
- Talk to professors to see if they could make a referral for you.
- Identify local employers and call the HR department to discuss your interests.
- Search for relevant professionals on LinkedIn
This groundwork early can help expand your professional network when seeking employment in the future.
Graduate Follow-Up Reports
Winona State asks recent graduates to share information about their next steps after graduation. View the Graduate Follow-Up Reports to see:
- the jobs alumni accepted as well as their employers
- how many students went on to graduate school and at which universities
You can also research WSU alumni salary outcomes by major.