What is Career Counseling?

Most students feel some uncertainty and confusion about how to choose a career or even begin the process of exploring options -- you are not the only one. Career counseling is a confidential, collaborative process through which you may gain a better understanding of your interests, motivations, skills, and the types of options that might lead to the most satisfaction for YOU. Keep in mind that someone else's definitions of success and happiness can be significantly different than yours. Career counseling is a process that focuses on discovering what you enjoy and what you value but also considers the outside forces and influences on your options and decisions. Career counseling will also result in the formulation of targeted goals and plans, but only if you make a commitment to it.

Career counseling is not a quick fix, it is a process. Some students can get their questions answered in one 30-minute appointment, but most benefit from meeting anywhere from 2 to 6 times with a career counselor - there's no formal limit. Some concerns for which students seek counseling include:

• Learning about yourself and what leads to success and satisfaction in school and work
• Choosing or changing a major
• Developing a career direction
• Clarifying interests, skills, values
• Learning decision-making skills

Who is eligible for career counseling?

Any student currently enrolled in a degree program (undergraduate or graduate) and Princeton alumni may schedule an appointment with a counselor. Consultations are also available via telephone for those students and alumni outside of the Princeton area. Other members of the University community are welcome to use our career library.

Making an Appointment

Appointments typically last 30 minutes and may be scheduled at the front desk of Career Services or by calling (609) 258-3325. Some appointments, such as for mock interviews and career inventories, are 50 minutes.

Walk-In Hours

Walk-ins last no more than 15 minutes and are designed to answer quick questions. Walk-in hours are available on a daily basis from 2:00 to 4:00 PM throughout the academic year. Please call ahead to verify the hours available any given day.