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• Career Coaching (in person, telephone, or Zoom)
• Networking connections via LinkedIn, Mawrter Connect and alumnae/i events
• Online resources for job search, salary negotiation, relocation, professional development, and more

Career theory in the U.S. originated in the early 20th century. Over time, many theories and models of career development have been created. New ones continue to emerge while others evolve with the changing times.

Because there are so many approaches, it’s worth investing your time to find a few approaches that resonate with you. You can explore articles, podcasts, and book summaries to get a sense of frameworks that sound appealing to you. Gather recommendations from others; what approaches, processes, and resources worked for them?

Despite the wide variety of options, many career development models make reference to the following common, cyclical stages (the naming of which can vary greatly!). Something that almost every theory or model agrees on: Career development is not a linear process.

Self-assessment, Self-Awareness, or Looking Inward

• Identify and examine your values, interests, personality characteristics, and lifestyle preferences (i.e., urban/rural living, indoor/outdoor work, structure/spontaneity), goals, and commitments (i.e., relationships, mortgage, etc.).
• Reflect on activities, experiences, academic studies, people, and situations that energize you and those that drain you.
• Inventory your skills, abilities, strengths, and talents. Identify those you enjoy but need or want to acquire or develop further.
• Consider what motivates or inspires you. Not everyone has a passion or discovers one at the same time, so start by focusing on what generates enthusiasm.
• Spend time taking stock of all variables that may factor into or influence your choices. What are your needs versus your wants? A few salient examples include
  • Family and relationships
  • Financial needs and commitments (e.g., mortgage or student loan payback)
  • Geographic location (i.e., access to transportation, availability of desired job roles or industry)
  • Education and training requirements (versus preferences an employer might articulate)

Exploration, Research, or Looking Outward

• Avoid researching career options by looking at job postings – at least initially. Begin your research with resources that more comprehensively and objectively describe and define roles and fields.
• After “looking inward,” hopefully you have a few ideas of fields or industries that intrigue you. It’s common to be unclear about titles and roles initially; instead, think about questions such as, “What kinds of problems do I want to solve? What sorts of issues do I want to be a part of influencing?”
• Visit websites that generate ideas and brainstorm lists of options based on something you already know. For example, we subscribe to “What Can I Do with this Major?” which is an excellent resource for identifying occupations aligned with diverse fields of study.
• Utilize career and occupational research sites such as the  and  for comprehensive and reliable information about roles and industries.
• Visit professional association websites and industry-specific career guides for a deeper dive, including networking connections, compensation data, certification or licensure requirements, etc.
• Think about geographical areas of interest. Utilize location as a lens for research on considerations such as compensation, availability of certain types of jobs, etc.
• Formulate a strategy for activating your networking connections and conducting informational interviews. Talking with others about their experiences and insights is THE MOST important and valuable way to expand your understanding of career options.
• Seeking to start a business? Tap small business development centers and organizations that support start-up ventures for expertise and resources.

Making Decisions

• Making an informed career decision is not a “single moment in time” event – it’s a process. Individuals typically cycle through this process several times, making many smaller decisions to home in on a bigger decision.
• What is your decision-making style? How have you made other significant decisions in your life? What approaches have served you well?
• Analyze and weigh the options you have researched in relation to how well they align with or fulfill what you learned about yourself by looking inward.

Set Goals, Prepare Materials

• Develop an initial networking list and draft email outreach messages. On an ongoing basis, conduct informational interviews and build your network.
• Identify target organizations or graduate/professional school programs.
• Prepare a core “elevator pitch” and practice!
• Prepare a core resume that you can adapt and tailor for each application.
• Prepared tailored essays and personal statements when applying to continuing education programs.
• Develop and practice your interview skills.

Implementation, Taking Action

• Integrate information to form a plan and timeline. Break down long-term goals into smaller short-term goals or steps.
• Obtain experience (e.g., part-time, gig / contract work, volunteering, internship or “returnship,” etc.)
• Refine your goals and next steps based on what you discover and experience.
• A job search or a career transition is time consuming. Be patient, persistent, and kind to yourself in the process.

The following worksheets offer you ways to examine your skills, values, and interests, as well as reflect on preferred work settings and industries. You can utilize them on your own or discuss within a career coaching appointment.

• Analyze your current work situation
• Explore your ideal day
• Industry research
• Take stock of your skills
• Take stock of your values

You have FREE access to Job and Career Databases that we subscribe to for students and alums. This page provides a range of other links and resources that may assist you in your career transition, job search planning, salary negotiation, grad school planning, and more.

Resources Provided by Bryn Mawr College

• : the Center’s hub for jobs, fellowships, employer-sponsored events, and appointment scheduling.
• : Bryn Mawr’s exclusive personal and professional networking community includes a Jobs Board, direct email access to thousands of alumnae/i, a Business Directory, and other valuable resources.
• Job Opportunities & Databases: follow the instructions on screen to access these special resources, many of which are available to alumnae/i.
  • CareerShift: access information you need to target companies and hiring managers, organize your data and follow up to catapult your career.
  • GoinGlobal: country-specific career information, expert advice and insider tips for finding employment opportunities at home and abroad.
  • Vault: an extensive library of career and industry information, guides to top companies and graduate and professional schools, CareerEco Career Fairs, and access to micro-credentialling courses.

Job Search, Career Transition, Resume Writing, Interview Prep

Graduate and Professional School Resources

• Graduate School Resources 

Women in the Workplace

Job Sites

• : a global network that inspires bold leadership, research, and solutions that advance women in STEM, spark innovation, promote organizational success and drive systemic change.
• Jobs and Moms: strategies, resources, and support for re-entering the workforce, working from home, and being a working mother.
• : an association for women professionals and business owners; provides resources – through education, networking, and public advocacy – to empower its members to achieve both career and personal success.
• : a non-profit community of more than 1,100 universities, companies, non-profits, and government organizations nationwide working to increase girls’ and women’s meaningful participation in computing.
•  - This resource center from Purdue University Global highlights notable educational, career support and community resources for women to gain more insight into business and entrepreneurship. It also offers financial aid and scholarship resources, entrepreneurial funding opportunities, and networking opportunities with professional associations and organizations for women interested in furthering their career as a business professional or entrepreneur.
• : promotes the welfare of wage-earning women and the advancement of their opportunities for profitable employment.
• : has the sole aim of advancing women in technology – and meets its vision through a variety of leadership development, technology education, networking and mentoring opportunities for women at all levels of their careers.
• : creates and delivers innovative networking, mentoring, professional and personal development.
• : a progressive, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to raise the visibility, viability and decision-making power of women and girls in media and, thereby, ensuring that their stories get told and their voices are heard.
•  : a social network connecting women worldwide for change.

Podcasts

• : interviews with incredible women about their career paths and how they became senior leaders at their companies
• : conversations about the workplace, and women’s place in it.

Reentering the Workforce

• : Corps Team is a nationwide, boutique, talent advisory, search and staffing firm. Since 2005, they have helped fast-growing companies build their teams with highly skilled, hard to find professionals in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HR and other business services.
• : Juggling a career and a family can be challenging. This platform’s goal is to make it easier by matching you with work opportunities that align with your work and flexibility preferences.
• : A nonprofit organization on a mission to empower people to restart their careers after time spent focused on caregiving. They work with companies to create mid-career internships—sometimes called “returnships”—to give women (and men) a jump start back to the paid workforce.
• : Their programs get women current, connected, and confident to return to work with impact and influence. ReBoot Accel has a suite of training and placement programs help women land jobs and return to the workplace.
• : Working Mother is mentor, role model and advocate for the country’s millions of moms who are devoted to their families and committed to their careers.

Job Search Sites

• : a national, multi-industry and experience level job posting site.
• : A UK job search site.
• : a national nonprofit and public sector job, internship, and volunteer opportunity posting site.
• : a national job search engine/aggregator across industries and experience levels.
• : is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
• : jobs in marketing, advertising, publishing, sales, PR, digital media, television, design, and more.
• : a national, multi-industry and experience level job posting site.
• : mission-focused nonprofit career site and comprehensive source for posting and finding nonprofit jobs.
• : a national, multi-industry and experience level job posting site.
• : the primary portal for federal government jobs; a U.S. Office of Personnel Management website.
• : Search thousands of jobs from thousands of job boards, employment and career sites in Canada. 
• : nonprofit and philanthropy jobs, in the Careers section of this publication.
• : a national, multi-industry, entry-level job posting site.
• : delivers opportunities, insights and connections for technology and engineering professionals in North America and Continental Europe.

Mid-Career/Transitions

• : provides articles and resources for staying competitive in the workforce, age discrimination, work-life balance, and planning for retirement.
• : a site “dedicated to helping people find creative ways to make money doing what they love”; features blogs and idea brainstorming in support of career change.
• : an innovation hub tapping the talent of people 50+ as a force for good.
• : Provides tools, resources, articles, and tips to find professional remote and flexible jobs, which are typically harder and more-time consuming to find anywhere else
• : promotes an age-diverse workforce through expanding the employment opportunities in government agencies for individuals 55 and over.
• : Career advice website that features a Career Change “channel” with discussion boards and expert articles.
• : Our mission is to enhance the lives of America’s age 50+ workforce. We’re committed to making it easier to remain engaged in communities through paid or volunteer work.

Nonprofit and Volunteer Resources

• : a Quaker organization that promotes lasting peace with justice, as a practical expression of faith in action.
• : a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism, providing community service, encouraging collaboration, and improving cultural awareness in locations throughout the world.
• : To strengthen the social sector by advancing knowledge about philanthropy in the U.S. and around the world.
• : the world's largest source of information on nonprofit organizations.
• : The leading search engine for connecting people and organizations, with ideas, and resources and opportunities to collaborate and take action for social change.
• : Jobs in the nonprofit sector are featured among the many resources available on this site.
• : matches seniors with the expressed needs of government and social services agencies to help fill critical gaps such as support for Strategic Planning, foundation outreach, administrative support, event planning, IT administration, and more.
• : activates emerging leaders by connecting them with resources, people, and ideas.

Volunteer Programs

• Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE): TESL programs in 10 countries: Chile, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• : a program made up of volunteers (age 50+) who are dedicated to helping children become great readers before completing third grade.
• : international volunteer vacation organization, offering experiences in 18 countries located throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• International volunteer community service organization, combining community service and learning into meaningful and substantive volunteer projects in Latin America, East Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Senior Corps: Americans age 55+ who use their experience and wisdom to volunteer and make a difference in their communities.
• : Community Partnership Programs offer the opportunity to partner with indigenous and marginalized communities around the world. Through immersion, participants engage with community members and support projects created and led by the community.

Self-Employment and Consulting

• : A site that provides useful news and information to small business owners, entrepreneurs and others who are interested in business.
• : NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; and with chapters across the country. A range of professional development and conference opportunities, blogs, resources, and advocacy.
• : Provides inspiration and connections needed to start, grow and manage a successful startup business. Content is crafted by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Offers access to experts in a variety of disciplines through its media channels and fosters peer-to-peer interaction in its online community forums.
• : A nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Their work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and with a network of 10,000 volunteers, they are able to deliver our services at no charge or at low cost. Connect with volunteer mentors across 62 industries, free business tools, and inexpensive or free business workshops.

Research Sites: Salary and Careers

Salary and Compensation Information

• : salary data, company reviews, job postings, and more.
• : Salary data, salary negotiation guide, career advice articles, and more.
• : consumer and enterprise resource for compensation data, software, and consulting.
• : The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes information on the wages, earnings, and benefits of workers. Generally, this information is categorized in one or more of the following ways: geographic area, occupation, and industry.

Career and Industry Exploration

• : an excellent source for career exploration, training and jobs. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

• : The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations. From the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• : Valid data are essential to understanding the rapidly changing nature of work and how it impacts the workforce and U.S. economy. Contains hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors on almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy. 

International

• : This work experience program is designed to match businesses and individuals with temporary employment opportunities in Australia.

• : The Chamber of Commerce network exists to support and connect companies, bringing together firms to build new relationships, share best practice and foster new opportunities.
• : Business to Business marketing services, trade platform, International Business network, Import Export Marketplace, and business lead generator.
• : a social network connecting women worldwide for change.

Individuals with Disabilities

Job Search Sites

Career Coaching Appointments

The Senior Associate Director for Alumnae/i Career Services provides appointments year-round for a variety of career-related needs (see below). There are currently no session limits; it has been most common for individuals to have two to three appointments, with some email communication in between. Resources that support self-guided progress are also available.

To schedule a one-on-one coaching session: 

• On the “Career Center” menu, select “Appointments” to schedule a session.
• If you have difficulty accessing Handshake, email cpd@brynmawr.edu or call Career Engagement at 610-526-5174 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
• If the appointment availability doesn't match your schedule, you may email Catherine Schreiner at cschreiner@brynmawr.edu to explore potential alternatives.

For alumnae/i who seek an intensive and ongoing coaching relationship or someone with a specialized area of expertise, consider utilizing directories provided by organizations such as the  and the . Check the Business Directory in  for alums with coaching practices.

Common Goals in Career Coaching Appointments: 

• Develop or refine resumes/CVs and cover letters; prepare for interviews; hone networking skills; strengthen LinkedIn profile; evaluate and compare job offers.
• Discuss strategies, tactics, and resources to make a career transition or pivot.
• Assess interests, strengths, skills, values, and personality in relation to career.
• Develop an action plan to pursue a specific career/job or continuing education.
• Access and leverage alumnae/i connections and networks.
• Access online resources, including career/occupational information, job postings, etc.
• Strategize for a promotion/advancement, ask for a raise or negotiate compensation.
• Strategize re-entry into the workplace after time away from work.
• Plan an exit strategy to leave a particular job or work environment. 

What is career coaching?

• Coaching is an outcomes-oriented process focused on gaining insights, identifying strategies and resources, and generating action steps to address a range of career development and management goals.
• Coaching is a positive approach that taps into your capabilities and strengths, helping you to practice, hone and leverage skills needed to achieve goals.
• Coaching is a partnership which requires your active engagement and may take place in one or several sessions

We offer several ways to help build your network:

• Join , Bryn Mawr’s enhanced networking community
• Join LinkedIn groups: links will take you directly to the groups if logged in
• Strengthen your online brand using the 10 Tips for Building a Stronger LinkedIn Profile and .
• Contact your regional Clubs or Affinity Groups for focused connections and events.
• Schedule a one-to-one coaching session to develop your strategy

Bryn Mawr College Alumnae/i & Students LinkedIn Group

is a place for current and past Mawrters to connect, learn from each other, and share wisdom, information, and experiences.

Bryn Mawr College Alumnae/i LinkedIn Group

is a place for alumnae/i to connect and share professional development articles, information, job openings, and experiences. Graduating students may join in their final semester (i.e., January before graduation).

Benefits to Students and Alumnae/i

• Conversations in the group are only visible to those in the group.
• Bryn Mawr College verifies group membership.
• Individuals have unique strategies for managing their personal LinkedIn profiles; joining the group allows students and alumnae to send messages without needing to link as a first-degree connection.
• LinkedIn does not allow users to send messages to people they don’t know by default. However, joining a group allows members to send unlimited, free, 1:1 messages to group members. Members can also control which messages they accept or privately decline.
• Students and alumnae/i can ask questions, start discussions, or use the job tab to post opportunities, creating an online learning community.

Goals and Expectations for Students and Alumnae/i

• The Bryn Mawr College Alumnae/i & Students LinkedIn Group is a learning community where students can start to practice their networking skills.
• The Career & Civic Engagement Center provides guidelines to students and teaches them networking fundamentals. Expectations are that members of the group will have professional interactions that are held to high ethical standards, including, but not limited to, honesty and integrity, communicating and presenting oneself professionally, and abiding by this statement: “I will stay informed about professional networking by reading and following Career & Civic Engagement’s networking guidelines and/or scheduling an appointment with a Career & Civic Engagement staff member through Handshake.”
• The Career & Civic Engagement Center wants to reward those who present themselves well but hopes to take advantage of teachable moments.
• Share positive or negative interactions with cpd@brynmawr.edu, and we will do our best to follow up.

• Alumnae/i Career Services within the Career & Civic Engagement Center provides a dedicated staff member to offer career coaching, professional development and networking resources and events for alumnae/i who graduated more than one year ago.
• Career Planning supports alums who graduated from the undergraduate college and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences within the last year. Pre-Law Advising is available to students and alumnae/i of all class years.
• Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research Career counseling, job fairs, and other resources and support specifically for GSSWSR alums.
• Health Professions Advising Office For alums applying to schools of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, public health and programs in other health professions.

•  is Bryn Mawr’s professional and personal networking community. The Jobs Board allows community members to share or post opportunities for students and alumnae/i.
•  is the hub of activity for the Career & Civic Engagement Center. Sign in to view opportunities from organizations in diverse industries from around the globe.