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Career Education

Career Counseling Services (click here) for:

The University Career Center is here to help support you as you make some important career decisions - whether you are a freshman or a senior - we can help you get excited about the process of career planning. We offer a variety of services in different settings, from individualized career counseling, to group presentations (in class, student organizations, residence halls, etc.) as well as our popular career planning classes.

What does the University Career Center do for career counseling?

The University Career Center is here to help you. The counseling staff can provide personalized career counseling and career information so you can make informed decisions about what major or career to choose. UCC counselors can coordinate services with other departments to help you realize your plan.

I don't have a major, where can I get help?

The University Career Center (UCC) provides personalized career counseling and career information to help you meet your needs, whether you are deciding on a major, a career, or simply trying to learn about various occupations. Our counselors can help in assessing your interests, personality traits, and skills so that you make informed decisions about your major choice and career goals.

The UCC has an excellent staff of career counselors. They will listen to your thoughts concerning your future, respond to your ideas, stimulate your thinking, and give you suggestions that will help you focus on and explore your areas of interest. No matter how unsure or confused you might feel, we can help you in your search for information and options for your future.

The UCC also offers a variety of career interest inventories and personality assessments. Career assessments available include the Strong Interest Inventory; Do What You Are; and Focus, a computer-based career exploration program.

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment with a career counselor at UCC, simply call 785/ 864-3624 or come by the office (110 Burge Union). If an appointment is made, students are asked to arrive 5-10 minutes before their first appointment to complete a brief information sheet.

The University Career Center is open Monday - Friday, 8:00- 5:00
After hours' messages may be left on the UCC answering machine. Messages will be answered the next business day.

What should I expect during my first visit?

During the first session, you and your career counselor will work together to clarify your concerns and goals. At UCC, students are encouraged to actively participate in determining the services that may be most helpful to accomplish their goals. The career counselor will also ask you questions about your career history, academic background, interests, and other factors relating to the choice of a career field or academic major.

Based on the information gathered in the first visit, you and your career counselor will determine the services or resources that will best serve your needs. Career counselors at UCC are happy to answer questions that you may have.

The staff at UCC are composed of psychologists, counselors, and graduate students. All staff members have coursework and relevant experience in career counseling with college students.

What can I expect in subsequent visits

  • To receive informative interpretations of any assessments you may take: Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, KU Card Sort, and Focus
  • To expose factors influencing my career choices
  • To dispel career myths
  • To understand what your skills are and identify new skills to develop
  • To explore your values
  • Suggestions of helpful books, websites and other sources of information
  • Suggestions of activities to increase your knowledge and experience: informational interviews, internships, job shadowing, clubs and organizations, hobbies, etc.
  • Develop a research plan of potential career interests
  • Develop goal setting and decision making skills

How long will it take me to discover a major and/or a career direction?

Each person starts in a very different place and their needs are different. Our career counseling staff is committed to helping you set your own goals to answer your questions. Therefore, the number of session will vary but we recommend approximately four sessions to cover the basics of career planning and development.

Is my visit confidential?

All contacts with UCC are confidential. No client information is released to anyone outside the agency including other university offices, faculty, or parents without the client's written consent. There are limits to confidentiality. Counselors are required by law to report cases of suspected child abuse. They may disclose information when it is necessary to protect a client or others from imminent danger. Information may be disclosed when required by court order. UCC staff members also reserve the right to share information with each other for consultation and training purposes.

Statement on Diversity - University Career Center is committed to maintaining an atmosphere of openness and trust. We encourage the free exploration and discussion of attitudes, beliefs, values, and behaviors, which are similar to and different from those of other people. UCC staff is dedicated to the promotion of respect for all.

How much does this service cost?

Career Counseling at the University Career Center is a free service to KU students and alumni. Career assessments are optional and have a fee of $25 for students and $50 for alumni who have been away from the University of Kansas for over six months.