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What is Career Design?

In May 2021 we shifted from career development (Department of Career Development) to career design (Career Design Center) to build the foundation for an equity-minded approach to career. In traditional career development models, students evaluate their options based on how they understand and feel about their past experiences. This approach can be especially limiting for first-generation students and historically marginalized populations, who may not have the same level of access to connections and experiences. It is our hope that the shift to career design will inspire all students to create, explore, and activate new versions of themselves throughout time, as they build their way forward.

Career design emphasizes the student being at the center of their own experience, meeting them where they are. A strength of this approach is the ability to teach students to engage their curiosities and prototype personal and professional ideas that could lead to a meaningful career, even when they might not be able to imagine their future career goals.

In this new model there is an emphasis on action. Design encourages students to be active participants in their future by trying things out, making adjustments, and embracing change. Career design is not about students figuring out what they want to do for the rest of their lives; it is about whatever they want to do next.

YOU ARE HERE… so let’s begin!

Mission Statement

The Career Design Center inspires all students and alumni to explore, discover, and achieve their meaningful future.

Vision

To be an innovative leader in career education, building intentional and strategic relationships with internal and external partners to create equitable opportunities for all students and alumni.

Career Belief Statements

• Students will explore, define, and craft a personalized career plan which includes a clear understanding of career opportunities related to their area of study.
• Students will have an integrative and applied learning experience connected to their career aspirations.
• Student will have multiple opportunities to interact with employers and alumni about their career aspirations.
• Students will develop career competencies related to their future aspirations.
• Students will be able to articulate their skills, experiences, and achievements to employers and graduate schools.

2024 - 2025 Departmental Goals

1. Operationalize programs and resources to address critical equity gaps in high impact career mobility practices.
2. Continued expansion of career education integration into the core academic student experience.
3. Outcomes Transparency and Data Sharing with Internal and External Partners. 

Nondiscrimination Statement

»Ê¹Ú²©²ÊÍøַ’s Career Design Center does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of age, race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, physical or mental ability, genetics, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law, nor will the office knowingly cooperate with employers who do. To learn more about Affirmative Action for Applicants, Students, Employees, visit the Office of Diversity and Equity.