Career exploration is an ongoing process that empowers you to make informed decisions about your future. By exploring your options, you can achieve:

  • Clarity and Direction: Understand your personal strengths, values, and interests so you can set clear, intentional career goals.
  • New Opportunities and Connections: Expand your horizons by discovering diverse industries and building a professional network of mentors and peers.
  • Skill-Building and Adaptability: Develop the versatile skills needed to navigate a changing job market, ultimately leading to long-term job satisfaction.

No matter where you are in this process, the UMA Career Connections staff is here to guide you every step of the way.

Our career counselors offer personalized guidance to help you navigate your professional path from start to finish. We can assist you with:

  • Academic & Goal Planning: Choosing the right major and defining your career goals.
  • Resumes & Cover Letters: Crafting professional application materials that stand out.
  • Job Search Prep: Finding job listings and mastering interview techniques.

Appointments are flexible to fit your schedule and are available in person, over the phone, via Zoom, or by email.

Inventories

We offer these assessments that can assist with career planning:

  • World of Work Inventory (WOWI)
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Other available assessments include:

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What is career readiness?

Career readiness refers to the attainment of skills, knowledge, and attributes that prepare individuals for success in the workplace and in their chosen careers. It encompasses a broad range of competencies beyond technical skills, focusing on personal qualities, professional behaviors, and adaptability. Career readiness is essential for individuals to effectively navigate the complexities of today’s job market and to thrive in their careers.

Overall, career readiness is about equipping individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to succeed in the workplace and to effectively manage their careers over time. It is a lifelong process of learning, growth, and development that empowers individuals to achieve their full potential in their chosen careers.

The National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE ) has identified eight career readiness competencies, each of which can be demonstrated in a variety of ways.

  • Career & Self Development
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Professionalism
  • Teamwork
  • Technology

For more information about this initiative, please download the NACE Competencies handout (PDF), or visit the NACE Career Competencies website.

CareerLink Cube

UMA CareerLink is your all-in-one online hub for job searches, internships, and career exploration. Through the platform, you can easily:

Here is what is available to you in the system:

  • Apply for Opportunities: Browse and apply directly to hundreds of current job and internship openings.
  • Build Application Materials: Use the interactive Resume Builder to draft professional resumes and cover letters.
  • Get Expert Feedback: Submit your resumes and cover letters electronically for a personalized review by our Career Connections staff.
  • Discover Your Path: Take the Career Finder assessment to match your personal interests with potential career fields and research industry insights.

Current Students: Click on the blue cube in your UMA Portal Launchpad. If your account comes up with an error/disabled message, please email Haley Brown.

Alumni: Visit our UMA CareerLink Alumni page to visit the login/registration page.

Log in today to explore everything CareerLink has to offer and take the next step in your professional journey!

Forage is an online resource which offers virtual job simulations designed by leading companies. Develop your skills and gain a real understanding of different roles and sectors by working through these self-paced modules, with tasks similar to those you would undertake during a traditional internship.

During the job simulations, you will work through a set of materials and tasks set by the company, which are designed to replicate the sort of work that you would undertake as an intern or graduate. All of our programs are self-paced (taking between 5 to 6 hours to complete) ensuring that you can fit your participation flexibly around other commitments.

These programs include:

  • Video instructions and materials created by employees within your chosen organization
  • Work that reflects real day-to-day tasks of interns and graduates
  • The chance to compare your work with that of a graduate at your chosen organization

What are the benefits?

  • Sample what work is like at leading companies
  • Discover career paths that you may not have previously considered
  • Build confidence and gain skills to get you ‘work-ready’

Our job simulations are completely free and open-access for students, and there are no lengthy application processes to participate.

Learn more about Forage and join over 2 million students worldwide on the Forage platform.

You don’t have to wait for an appointment to start figuring out your next move. Here are some free resources that can help jumpstart your search.

Career Exploration

Occupational Trends/Employer & Salary Information

New Ventures Maine
New Ventures Maine provides free services in the areas of: career planning, starting a business, money management, and leadership. For more information, visit their website.

Maine Career Centers
Maine Career Centers provide employment information and services to Maine residents. For more information, visit their website.