The Division of Student Affairs
Career Exploration Pathway-Just Getting Started
Explore Today. Lead Tomorrow.
Many Morgan students begin their college journey still exploring majors, careers, interests, and opportunities. The goal is not to have all the answers immediately—it is to actively explore, ask questions, gain experiences, and discover the path that is right for you.
The Center for Career Development has identified 10 recommended steps to help you discover opportunities, build connections, explore careers, and take advantage of the many resources available across campus.
While the steps are organized in a suggested order, they do not need to be completed sequentially. You may find yourself drawn to certain activities before others, and that's perfectly okay. Feel free to jump around based on your interests, goals, and where you are in your journey.
Maybe you'll start by joining a student organization. Perhaps you'll meet with a Career Specialist first. Or maybe you'll attend a career fair to explore possibilities before deciding on a major. Every student's path is unique.
The purpose of this guide is not to provide all the answers—it's to help you ask questions, explore possibilities, build confidence, and discover the people, programs, and experiences that will help shape your future.
Morgan's BEARprint framework empowers students to develop the knowledge, experiences, communication skills, leadership capacity, confidence, and sense of purpose needed to thrive in a global, interdependent society.
So start where you are. Stay curious. Ask questions. Try new things.
Every experience you have, every connection you make, and every opportunity you pursue contributes to your BEARprint.
Why This Matters
Students who feel connected to campus are more likely to persist, thrive, and enjoy their college experience.
Morgan offers more than 100 student organizations representing academic interests, cultural identities, professional goals, hobbies, service, leadership, and more.
Your Action Steps
✅ Attend the Student Organization Fair
✅ Join at least one student organization
✅ Attend campus events
✅ Introduce yourself to new people
✅ Consider leadership opportunities
Questions to Consider
- What interests me?
- Where do I feel most comfortable?
- What communities align with my goals?
Many students wait until they have a problem before learning where help is located. [Click here for campus map]
Successful students learn how to navigate campus resources early.
Your Goal
Within your first 3 weeks, locate and potentially visit the offices and spaces listed in the scavenger hunt checklist.
Walk in.
Say hello.
Introduce yourself.
Ask:
- What services do you offer?
- What programs should I know about?
- How do I schedule an appointment?
- What resources are available?
Scroll to the bottom to learn more about the resources featured in the Scavenger Hunt.
Many students choose a major before fully understanding:
- career opportunities,
- required coursework,
- licensing requirements,
- salary expectations,
- or job outlook.
A major is not always the same thing as a career.
Your Action Steps
Complete a Career Assessment
Morgan's Career Assessment page features the O*NET Interest Profiler through My Next Move, helping students connect interests and strengths to career possibilities.
Explore "What Can I Do With This Major?"
Available through the Career Development Toolkit. (Morgan State University)
Research Career Paths
Use:
- Career Videos (CareerSpots)
- Industry Guides (Vault)
Questions to Consider
- What subjects energize me?
- What problems do I enjoy solving?
- What careers align with my interests and values?
You do not have to figure everything out alone.
Career Specialists help students:
- explore majors related to their interests,
- understand career pathways,
- identify internships,
- prepare for graduate school,
- and develop personalized action plans.
Discuss:
- career interests,
- major selection,
- career assessments,
- internships,
- graduate school,
- career goals.
Handshake is Morgan's official career platform.
Students can:
- search jobs and internships,
- upload resumes,
- receive employer communications,
- register for events,
- schedule appointments,
- and receive opportunity alerts.
Your Action Steps
✅ Upload your resume
✅ Complete your profile
✅ Add career interests
✅ Turn on job alerts
✅ Follow employers
Complete a Forage Job Simulation
Forage provides free virtual job simulations created by employers including:
- Goldman Sachs
- PepsiCo
- Deloitte
- JPMorgan Chase
- lululemon
Students gain practical experience while exploring different careers.
Your Goal
Complete at least one simulation related to a career field you are considering.
Conduct an Informational Interview
An informational interview is a conversation with someone who is currently working in a career field, organization, or position you are considering. These conversations can help you better understand what a job is really like, what skills are needed, and how professionals got started in their careers.
Suggested Questions
- What does a typical day look like?
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- What challenges should students be aware of?
- What skills are most important for success in this industry?
- What experiences helped prepare you for this career?
- If you were a college student again, what would you do differently?
- What advice would you give someone considering this field?
Many students choose a major or career path without ever speaking to someone who actually works in that field. A 20–30 minute conversation can provide insights that no website, job description, or social media post can offer.
Don't Know Anyone? Start Here.
Not having a personal connection is completely normal. In fact, one of the goals of college is to build your professional network.
Start with Your Faculty.
Faculty members are often one of the best connections students have.
Many professors:
- have worked in industry,
- conduct research,
- consult with organizations,
- maintain professional networks,
- and know alumni working in the field.
Ask your professor:
"I'm interested in learning more about careers in this field. Would you be willing to share your own experiences, or recommend someone I might speak with to learn more?"
You may be surprised how willing they are to help.
Attend Career Fairs and Employer Events
Career fairs aren't just for finding jobs.
Use them to:
- introduce yourself,
- ask questions,
- collect business cards,
- connect on LinkedIn,
- and request informational interviews.
Example: "I'm still exploring this career field. Would you be willing to spend 15 minutes sharing your career journey with me sometime?"
Connect Through LinkedIn
Search for:
- Morgan State alumni,
- professionals working in organizations you admire,
- or individuals with careers that interest you.
Many professionals are willing to help students who reach out respectfully.
Visit the Center for Career Development
Career Specialists can:
- help identify professionals to contact,
- connect you with alumni,
- recommend employer partners,
- and help you draft outreach messages.
Participate in Student Organizations
Many student organizations host:
- alumni speakers,
- employer panels,
- networking nights,
- and guest presenters.
These events create natural opportunities to begin conversations with professionals.
Attend Campus Guest Speaker Events
Morgan regularly welcomes:
- industry leaders,
- entrepreneurs,
- government officials,
- researchers,
- and alumni.
Introduce yourself after the event and ask if they would be willing to share additional career advice.
Your Goal
Connect with at least one professional during your first year and continue expanding your network throughout your time at Morgan.
Remember: networking isn't about asking for a job. It's about building relationships, learning from others, and discovering possibilities you may not have known existed.
Every connection has the potential to teach you something new and help shape your BEARprint.
Attend the JCPenney Suit-Up Event
Professional attire can be expensive, but making a strong first impression doesn't have to break your budget.
The JCPenney Suit-Up Event is a special shopping experience that allows Morgan students to purchase professional attire and accessories at significantly discounted prices. Whether you're preparing for a career fair, internship, interview, networking event, or your first professional job, this event can help you build a wardrobe that supports your goals.
Research shows that confidence and preparation often go hand-in-hand. Having professional attire ready before an opportunity arises can help you feel more prepared and less stressed when it's time to make an important impression.
Your Mission
Attend the JCPenney Suit-Up Event and:
- Explore professional clothing options.
- Build or enhance your professional wardrobe.
- Learn what is appropriate for interviews, internships, career fairs, and workplace settings.
- Ask Career Development staff for guidance if you're unsure what to purchase.
Insider Tip
Arrive early!
The Center for Career Development is known for rewarding the first group of students who arrive with exciting giveaways.
Past prizes have included:
- JCPenney gift cards
- Morgan giveaways
- Professional accessories
- Career readiness items
- Other surprises provided by our Student Success Sponsors
Don't miss the opportunity to save money, win prizes, and start building your professional image.
Remember
Looking the part doesn't guarantee success—but being prepared helps you show up with confidence when opportunity knocks.
Professional opportunities often come with little notice. Be ready when they arrive.
Stay informed about career-related events or opportunities.
Attend a Career Fair
Career fairs are not just for seniors.
Students should attend to:
- explore industries,
- meet employers,
- learn about opportunities,
- practice networking,
- and discover what employers value.
Before You Attend
Review:
Why This Matters
Career development is not a one-time event.
Continue building your BEARprint through:
- internships,
- research,
- leadership roles,
- community engagement,
- networking,
- study abroad,
- entrepreneurship,
- graduate school exploration,
- and lifelong learning.
Additional Career Development Resources
- Career Videos
- Over 60 short videos covering networking, interviewing, internships, resumes, and career readiness. (CareerSpots)
- Downloadable Worksheets
- Career planning timelines, networking guides, informational interview worksheets, and career fair preparation tools. (Morgan State University)
- Career Library (Firsthand)
- Explore industries, companies, professions, internship guides, and employer rankings. (Vault/Firsthand)
- Entrepreneurship Resources
- Interested in starting a business? Explore resources for entrepreneurs. (Morgan State University)
Every Bear Leaves a Mark.
Morgan's BEARprint Framework is about more than preparing students for careers. It is about helping students develop the knowledge, experiences, communication skills, leadership capacity, confidence, and purpose needed to thrive in a global, interdependent society.
Your Journey.
Your Growth.
Your BEARprint.
The only question is:
What will your BEARprint be?
Campus Resource Scavenger Hunt
Find Academic Advisor
This one is a bit of a trick! Do you know who your academic advisor is and where they're located? Stop by and introduce yourself.
University Gym
Stay active and healthy. Find the gym and learn about fitness and recreation opportunities.
University Swimming Pool
Did you know Morgan has a swimming pool? Check it out and discover another way to stay active.
Selfie Challenge: Leave Your BEARprint! 🐻
Take a selfie at five locations on the Scavenger Hunt list and share your favorite discovery with a fellow Bear.
📸 Post your selfies on social media and use #MSUBEARprint
Contact Information
Division of Student Affairs
Holmes Hall, Room 231
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21251
P: 443-885-3527
E: studentaffairs@morgan.edu
Contact Information
Division of Student Affairs
Holmes Hall, Room 231
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21251
P: 443-885-3527
E: studentaffairs@morgan.edu