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Pathfinder

Pathfinder Program

Career Exploration Workshop Series

The Pathfinder Program has been created to meet the unique needs of CSI freshman students as they begin exploring majors and careers. The first year of your college experience is the time for you to engage in self-discovery. As you begin your journey, it will be important to be open to all the possibilities along the way. Now is the time to try out different paths. Take courses that appeal to you, join clubs that interest you, and talk to professors who inspire you. Now is the time to seek answers, not make decisions.

The Pathfinder Program will assist you in seeking answers by participating in the following activities:

I. Pathfinder Overview 
II. Self-Directed Search 
III. Career Research 
IV. Career Coaching Program

I. Pathfinder Overview

This one-hour workshop is the first step towards self-discovery and career decision-making. You will watch a video that will help guide you in choosing a major and making a good career decision.  You will take a self-assessment quiz to determine where you currently are and where you need to go in the future.  

You’ll learn about the career decision-making process, choosing a major, and conducting career research.  After this workshop, you will have a solid framework for beginning your journey towards self-discovery.

II. Self-Directed Search

The Self-Directed Search (SDS) is an interest inventory that helps you understand your interests and personality and how they apply in choosing a career.

You will take this self-assessment test and view a 15-minute video explaining your results. These results will provide you with a solid understanding of your interests and the various careers you could consider.

III. Career Research

Once you have completed the Self-Directed Search and identified several possible career paths, you will be ready for this next, most important step. Career decision-making utilizes both self-understanding and workplace knowledge.  It isn’t enough to just know what careers interest you; you have to understand the nature of the career, the educational qualifications, the salary, the job outlook, and other related careers. This workshop will give you the tools and skills necessary to conduct an effective and up-to-date career search. 

There is never a time in your life when you are done making a career decision.  The process of looking at your career and evaluating your goals extends through your lifetime.  Your choice of a major and first job is only the beginning of your journey.  The skills you learn in the Pathfinder Program will take you far, and always, on the path you have chosen.

IV. Career Coaching Program
If you are still undecided after attending all three workshops, you are encouraged to meet with one of our Career Coaches, who are specially trained advisors and counselors who can guide you toward making good career decisions.  Calling upon their own experiences, along with career guidance training, Career Coaches will work with you individually to help with:

  • Self-understanding
  • Career research
  • Decision-making
  • Goal-setting

Under-classmen with less than 30 credits completed are required to take part in the Overview and the Self-Directed Search workshops prior to meeting with a Career Coach. Under-classmen may choose to take part in the Career Research workshop either prior to or after meeting with their Career Coach.

Please visit the Career & Scholarship Center in Building 1A, Room 105 or call (718) 982.2300 in order to schedule an appointment to meet with your Career Coach.

The Career Coaching Program is the result of collaboration between the Center for Career and Professional Development and the Center for Advising and Academic Success (CAAS).

Center for Advising and Academic Success Center for Career and Professional Development
South Administration Building (1A) Room 101 South Administration Building (1A) Room 105
Phone: 718.982.2280 Phone: 718.982.2300
E-mail: advisement@csi.cuny.edu E-mail: careers@csi.cuny.edu