If you’re exploring various career paths or deciding on a major, the Career Exploration Center (CEC) is here to help! Our career advisors are available year-round, both in-person and virtually, to help you think through your major and career options and plan your next steps. Check out the advising options below to learn how you can connect with the CEC.
Sign up for our mailing list to stay in the loop about all things career exploration. Not on central time? Request an extended hours appointment.
Schedule an Appointment
Current UW-Madison undergraduates can meet with a CEC career advisor throughout the year for in-person or remote appointments.
Appointments can be scheduled for 30 or 60 minutes with any CEC career advisor.
Drop-in Advising
Have a quick question? Try drop-in advising!
We are available for drop-ins on Wednesdays from 12:00pm-2:00pm in 114 Ingraham Hall from September-May (when classes are in session).
No scheduling required – just drop by!
Residence Halls Advising
We also offer career advising in two res halls. Schedule an in-person appointment by selecting a res hall location in Starfish, or just drop by – walk-ins welcome!
Tuesdays at Witte (Room 124): 9:00am–12:00pm
Fridays at Dejope (Room 1130): 9:00am–2:00pm
Is the CEC the right place for me?
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I need help figuring out what I can and want to do with a certain major.
Yes, the CEC can help! Schedule an Appointment to meet with a CEC advisor.
I need help exploring my major and career options.
Yes, we can help! Schedule an Appointment to meet with a CEC advisor.
I am interested in taking a personality/interest test (otherwise known as a career assessment).
Maybe. The CEC is a place to start the conversation about if an assessment may be appropriate, and about which one would be best for you. Schedule an Appointment to meet with one of our advisors.
I need help picking classes, creating a schedule, or declaring a major.
Please visit your academic advising office. If you are a Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS) student, visit ccas.wisc.edu for more information on talking to your CCAS academic advisor.
I need help with my resume, cover letter, job, or internship search.
Please visit your home school/college’s career services office for help with these topics.
I am an alum looking for career support.
The Career Exploration Center serves currently enrolled undergraduate students. Career support for UW-Madison alumni may be available through the following resources:
- Adult Career & Special Student Services
- Wisconsin Alumni Association Career Resources
- Handshake for Alumni
- Check with your previous school or college career center to learn about potential alumni services.
- Interested in Healthcare or Law Careers? Visit Center for Pre-Law Advising or the Center for Pre-Health Advising
Additional Support for International Students
The Career Exploration Center recognizes that immigration rules and work restrictions can make major and career planning more challenging for international students. CEC staff are here to support you in your exploration and decision-making process.
Other campus offices provide excellent career resources for international students as well. Below, find an overview of the services available to you through the CEC, International Student Services (ISS), and individual school/college career centers.
The Career Exploration Center can help you:
- Identify your values, interests, and skills
- Explore major and certificate options at UW-Madison
- Explore your career interests
- Connect your major to your career goals
- Find ways to get involved outside the classroom
International Student Services can help you:
- Understand how immigration laws, rules, and regulations affect you
- Maintain your visa status and benefits
- Determine eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Your school/college career center can help with:
- Resume/cover letter reviews
- Job and internship-search strategies
- Interview preparation and practice
- Tips on building your professional network
Additional Career Advising Support
Explore Majors & Certificates
At UW-Madison, there are more than 150 majors and 100 certificates to choose from. With all these possibilities, it will benefit you to explore your options.
Resume, Cover Letter, Interview Preparation, & More
If you're looking for help with resumes, cover letters, job or internship searches, or interview preparation, schedule an appointment with the career service office for your home school or college. They can also help you connect with individuals who have knowledge or expertise in the career fields you’d like to explore.
Connect with Other Campus Career Centers
In addition to the Career Exploration Center, every school and college at UW-Madison has its own career center. Other campus career resources include the Center for Pre-Health Advising, Center for Pre-Law Advising, and Intern Abroad.