Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Level 1 Explore | University of West Florida
Skip to main content
Logo of University of West Florida

Level 1 Explore

Explore introduces you to the Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Program, discusses strategies to assist you in major and career exploration and setting SMART goals, provides you with an overview of Handshake, and includes a checklist to help you keep track of the steps you have taken to “explore” each of the Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Skills.

Career development guide level 1 cover
Download Career Development Guide 1: Explore

Table of Contents

  1. A Letter from CDCE
  2. Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Program
    1. Level 1: Explore
  3. Major and Career Exploration
    1.  Identify Your VIPS
    2. Pathfinder Worksheet
  4. Goal Setting
  5. Handshake 101
  6. Career Readiness Level 1 Checklist

You’re Here Now...But Where Will You Go?

WELCOME TO THE FIRST STEP OF YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT JOURNEY!

The Office of Career Development and Community Engagement (CDCE) invites you to dive into the Career Development Guide; a three-part collection of booklets developed to help you prepare for your career. Each guide contains content specific to a particular level of career readiness skill development. The three levels are Explore, Experience, and Excel; each of which incorporates a collection of information, resources, and tools, that are designed to assist you in the job search and in accomplishing your career goals, as you prepare for life after college.

Level 1 of the Career Development Guide: Explore introduces you to the Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Program, discusses strategies to assist you in major and career exploration and setting SMART goals, provides you with an overview of Handshake, and includes a checklist to help you keep track of the steps you have taken to “explore” each of the Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Skills.

Please note that the information contained within these pages is not only for first or second-year students. Although some of the content may touch on themes more relevant to those populations, these guides are designed to be used by anyone seeking guidance for any of the topics covered within.

Most importantly, do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about this content or need further career/job search guidance. These guides provide a lot of valuable information, but we always recommend meeting with a Career Coach.

We look forward to working with you!

The CDCE Team

Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Program

WHAT IS THE ARGO2PRO: CAREER READINESS PROGRAM?

The Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Program highlights eight skills identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as essential to professional success, regardless of industry. The program is structured into three levels to help you prepare the fundamental skills needed to enhance your employability while completing your academics.

As you progress through each of the three levels, Explore, Experience and Excel, you will be able to:

  1. Explore: Identify your strengths and areas for improvement for each skill.
  2. Experience: Identify and track experiences that will help you to develop each skill.
  3. Excel: Take steps towards your professional future by earning badges as you achieve each skill that validates your experiences.

To get started with your career readiness journey, visit uwf.edu/argo2pro to complete a Skills Confidence Assessment, build an Individualized Career Plan, and learn more about the Argo2Pro: Career Readiness Program.

LEVEL 1: EXPLORE

The Explore level of Argo2Pro will help you discover the core competencies needed to complete your career plan while developing the transferable skills desired in the workforce, no matter your major. So, what are these transferable skills that employers are looking for?

Top Eight Skill Competencies / Transferable Skills
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Professionalism
  • Global Learning
  • Technology
  • Career and Self Development
  • Leadership

Major and Career Exploration

PRACTICE A: IDENTIFY YOUR VIPS

During your career exploration, CDCE encourages you to explore your values, interests, personality and skills (VIPS). Understanding aspects of your VIPS can help you identify future career paths that are well-suited for you. No single personality trait is better than another, but being aware of your preferences is essential in choosing a career. When your career choices align with your VIPS, you will enjoy the work you do and be more efficient in your role. Now, let's practice identifying your VIPS. 

Download Practice A Identify Your VIPS

 

VALUES: work-related qualities, principles and standards that matter to you.

  • Is the mission of the organization important to you?
  • How important is work-life balance?
  • Where do you want to live?
  • Do you want flexible work hours?
  • How long of a distance are you willing to commute?

INTERESTS: what are your preferences regarding work activities and environments?

  • What have you received praise or recognition for in the past?
  • Do you enjoy activities that relate to people, things, or data?
  • What do you find most fulfilling and enjoyable?

PERSONALITY: how will you react to certain situations and people, make decisions, organize and solve problems?

  • What characteristics would you say describe you?
  • How would your friends describe you?
  • Do you prefer to lead or follow?
  • Do you prefer to work as part of a team or alone?
  • Do you prefer a regular routine or an ever-changing schedule?

SKILLS: a reflection of your talents and activities you quickly learn and perform well.

  • What are your fundamental abilities, talents, and strengths?
  • Do you enjoy creative activities and artistic tasks?

PRACTICE B: PATHFINDER WORKSHEET

The Pathfinder Worksheet aims to help you identify career opportunities that interest you. Use the resources below to guide you through your major and career exploration.

Download Practice B Pathfinder Worksheet

  1. Go to uwf.edu/focus2career, flbog.edu/myfloridafuture, and bls.gov/ooh.
  2. Sort through the list of occupations presented or complete the assessments to determine which ones you would like to explore further.
  3. Write down three occupations that interest you based on your values, interests, personality, and skills (VIPS).
  4. List the education level required to pursue each occupation.
  5. Write down the typical salary range for this occupation.
  6. List three jobs duties that are interesting and any that are unappealing to you.

 

Occupation 1 Occupation 2 Occupation 3
  • Occupation Title
  • Education Required
  • Salary Range
  • Primary Tasks
  • Occupation Title:
  • Education Required:
  • Salary Range:
  • Primary Tasks:
  • Occupation Title
  • Education Required
  • Salary Range
  • Primary Tasks

  1. Who is one person who could mentor you?
  2. What department on campus (other than CDCE) can help you explore the paths that you are interested in?
  3. Is there a website or other resources that can help you?
  4. Is there a student or professional organization that aligns with your career path?
  5. What are the education requirements for each career path you are interested in?

Goal Setting

Establishing your VIPS is the foundation for developing future career goals. Two types of goals that may assist you in planning for your future are short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals refer to goals that can be accomplished in the immediate future and are often a part of a long-term goal. Long-term goals refer to overarching goals that usually take time to complete. These goals often need short-term goals or steps to complete them.

Download Goal Setting Practice

Write them down! Goal setting is all about visibility. Write goals where you can see them.

  1. Write goals as declarations (e.g., “I will apply for graduate school.”).
  2. Include action verbs in your goals to identify what you are going to do.
  3. Share your goals with people. Mentors can be great for helping you understand and reach your goals.
  4. Goals can change, and sometimes they should. Do not be afraid to let your dreams change.
  5. Deconstruct your end goal to pinpoint specific aspects of that larger goal that need to be accomplished; then develop mini-goals that are not too general or overwhelming.

Use the SMART Goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) formula below to improve your chances of success in achieving goals:

Goal Examples:

  • Complete informational interviews with 2 accountants by November 15 to learn more about the profession.
  • Use Handshake to find at least 3 possible graphic design internships to apply to by January 1.
Specific Create a goal that is clear and unambiguous.
Measurable Include definite numbers and values to help you determine when your goal is met.
Attainable Include definite numbers and values to help you determine when your goal is met.
Realistic Create a goal that is challenging but also manageable and offers a likelihood of successful completion.
Timely Identify a target date for completion.


YOUR GOALS: Identify 2 SMART goals related to your academic or career development.

Handshake 101

START YOUR CAREER WITH A HANDSHAKE!

Accessing Handshake

Handshake is UWF’s online platform connecting you to thousands of jobs, internships, and other opportunities, giving you complete control of your job search.

Handshake allows you to:

  • Learn more about employers and job opportunities
  • Apply for part-time jobs, full-time jobs, internships and more
  • Upload and share your resume, connecting you directly with employers
  • Make your profile public and complete to appeal to employers
  • Make and keep track of appointments with Career Coaches
  • Check out upcoming on-campus and online career events 

Tip: Fully complete your Handshake profile to ensure more employer interactions.

Handshake is a direct link to schedule appointments with a Career Coach. We offer appointments in-person, online or “Virtual on Handshake,” and over the phone. Some things that we can help you with during these appointments include:

  • Resume and Cover Letter Creation/Review
  • Job Search Strategies
  • Interview Strategies and Mock Interviews
  • Internships and High Impact Practices
  • Major and Career Exploration
  • Argo2Pro: Individualized Career Plan Follow-Up
  • Salary Negotiation
  • Graduate School Preparation
  • Professional Headshots

Drop-in support is also available for resumes and cover letters, job search strategies and interview tips. We offer in-person and online drop-ins, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email or send us a Google Chat at career@uwf.edu to request a virtual drop-in.

  • Jobs tab: Allows you to search and apply for available listings.
  • Events tab: All of the Career Development events and fairs are located under the events tab. In this section, you can register for upcoming events and view which employers will attend.
  • Employers tab: Looking for a specific employer? You can find details on all of our employer partners under the employers tab.
  • Inbox: If you make your profile public, employers can contact you directly. You can look for these messages and notifications about upcoming events in your Inbox.
  • Career Center tab: Allows you to see the UWF school profile, schedule appointments with Career Coaches, and access event/appointment surveys.

The Job Search function on the Jobs page allows you to use keywords and filters to search for available positions. Search results will appear in the sidebar with the job title, organization/employer, location, position type, and contacts associated with the position.

  • Saved tab: Bookmark jobs that peak your interest and save them in your saved tab.
  • Filter tabs: Narrow down your job search for positions by type, location, and employer.

By clicking on your profile picture, you can find additional options, such as your Student Profile and the following selections from this dropdown menu:

  • My Jobs: View the positions you have applied for and check their status.
  • My Meetings: View details related to your upcoming appointments.
  • My Documents: Upload your resume or cover letter under my documents so that employers can review.
  • My Career interests: Home to a questionnaire that you can fill out for Handshake to suggest opportunities that are more relevant to you.
  • My Reviews: Want to let other students know how you feel about working for a specific company? You can leave organizations a review in my reviews.

CAREER READINESS CHECKLIST: EXPLORE

Listed below are a few examples of things you can do on campus to help you develop your Career Readiness Skills. You can download the checklist below to keep track of your experiences as you explore your knowledge and skills on career readiness! Make sure to check out Argo2Pro on uwf.edu/argo2pro.

Download the Career Readiness Checklist Explore

Level 1: Explore Checklist

Critical Thinking

  • Describe and define your ideal job.
  • Identify your transferable skills.
  • Participate in first-year programs.

Leadership 

  • Research and join student organizations that relate to your interests via ArgoPulse.
  • Visit uwf.edu/argopulse to learn more.
  • Attend an involvement fair on campus to explore student organizations that may fit with your career goals.

Communication

  • Begin thinking about the necessary skills for your field.
  • Identify who you can add to your network as you begin exploring.

Professionalism 

  • Volunteer to help you learn more about your interests.
  • Explore options for potential Experiential Learning opportunities such as job shadowing, internships, and/or co-ops.

Teamwork 

  • Identify service organizations to become active with.
  • Take the lead on class projects.

Career and Self Development 

  • Meet with your Career Coach to explore the various majors and career fields available to you.
  • Visit uwf.edu/focus2career to  complete a career assessment.
  • Identify potential employers and job titles in your field of interest.
  • Develop a professional resume and visit CDCE for a review.

Technology

  • Analyze and develop your social media presence:  Clean up social media pages; update your privacy settings. Set up a LinkedIn account to begin developing your professional image and connections. 
  • Have a professional headshot taken by CDCE to include on social media.
  • Complete your Handshake profile.

Global Learning 

  • Attend workshops about global learning and further enhance your UWF experience.
  • Join a culture-based student organization.

Ready to go to Experience?

For questions, please contact our office at career@uwf.edu or 850.474.2254.