Share your career story by adding your bio to the syllabus, or on your webpage; share your story verbally as an introduction or in conversation with students as the time presents itself.

Use the prompts to help you share your career story with students.

Academics 

  • What did you study in college? 
  • What was your favorite class and why? 
  • What was your least favorite class and why?

Career 

  • What got you interested in your current career? 
  • What other careers did you consider? 
  • Tell about your career journey.  Where did it all begin? (from working in a grocery store to where you are today) 
  • Are you on the career path you thought you would take when you entered college?  Please explain.
  • Who or what influenced your career direction?
  • What experience did you have that made you want to explore this as a career path?
  • What was the weirdest/most difficult job you had?  What did you learn from it that influenced your career path?
  • Did you have any summer jobs?  What did you learn from those that influenced your career direction?
  • Did you have an internship?  What did you learn from those that influenced your career direction?
  • Did you experience any crossroad moments where you didn’t know which direction to take regarding a career?  Please explain.
  • What roadblock(s) did you encounter along your career path.  What pivots did you make?

 Looking Back

  • Who has inspired/encourage you in your career pursuits?
  • What advise do you have for students as they consider and explore opportunities?
  • What advice were you given and did take?
  • What advice were you given but didn’t take? Why?
  • Tell about a time you failed.
  • Looking back what was 1 or 2 things you did that helped you be where you are today?

 Interests

  • What do you do when you are not teaching or researching?
  • Tell about a hobby you enjoy.