Vocational Exploration

Aurora University stands by the motto, "Discover what matters and build your life around it". When it comes to realizing your vocation, there is no office better to assist you than the Center for Student Success.

You can live out your vocation by utilizing your strengths, interests and values.

Image by Aurora University.

How do Aurora students define vocation?

"Vocation is an area that you are passionate about and could see yourself pursing for some time."- Isabelle '22
"Vocation is finding your passion and a career where you can chase that passion."- Quintin '22
"Vocation is a job calling that speaks to you." -Lauren '22
"Vocation is a career you truly enjoy or value." -DeeDee '25

What is vocation and how do you find yours?

Vocation is a calling toward a particular occupation, business, or profession. You can live out your vocation through your career, relationships, faith, community service or hobbies.

Online Assessments

Focus2: This site is a career and education planning system. Answer a series of questions to determine your strengths, interests, personality traits and possible career paths.
What can I do with this major: This site allows you to select a major and see the various areas you can go into along with employers in the field and strategies for success.
Humanmetrics: Take a personality test that will lead to careers that may be suitable for you.
O*Net OnLine: Read descriptions of the work world and paths you can take.

The Labyrinth

The Center for Student Success is located right next to the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action which has the labyrinth. The labyrinth symbolizes mediation, reflection, and vocational exploration. It is built around seven circuits representing the value the number seven has in many cultures and religions.

How to walk the labyrinth:

The labyrinth should be walked at your own pace. There are four stages.

Prior to walking the labyrinth, remember. Use this time to give thanks for the important people and things in your life. Bring any difficult situation to mind and try to find peace.
While you are walking the labyrinth, release. Relax and let go of any stress or distractions. Focus on your breathing and calm your mind.
Once you reach the center of the labyrinth, receive. Use this time to reflect. Stay as long as you want and focus on yourself.
After you have reflected, walk out and return. Each person will feel something different as they walk out. Some may experience healing, joy, peace or nothing. Listen to your heart and take it all in.

Walking the labyrinth is a great way to let go of your worries and focus on what brings you peace and happiness. A few minutes by yourself reflecting may be what you need to discover your vocation and recognize your passions.

The impact of connecting with Student Success for vocational exploration

When I enrolled at AU in 2018, I declared business administration as my major. I chose this major because I thought this degree would allow me to have a variety of career options. Instead of thinking about what I enjoyed doing, I focused on getting a job after college. After taking some prerequisite courses, I realized business administration was not something I wanted to pursue. I came to the realization that I was going to have to change my major but was uncertain of where to go next. Before making any decisions, I met with Career Services. They asked what I liked and didn't like. In a lighthearted conversation, we quickly determined accounting was a big no. (Shoutout to everyone who enjoys working with numbers.) Career Services asked a variety of questions that led me to reflect and realize what I was passionate about. I have always had a passion for writing. Shortly after that conversation, I changed my major to professional writing. The guidance I received from Career Services allowed me to not only discover my passion but put me on a path to succeed.

You want your career post college to be more than a job. The Center for Student Success can help you discover what matters and build your life around it.

Follow along to learn more benefits of partnering with the Center for Student Success.