Career development is an important part of student success, yet many students have limited opportunities to connect their coursework with future career pathways. To support instructors in incorporating career exploration into their courses, the Center for Life Sciences Education has developed a Career Exploration Module that can be adapted for a variety of instructional contexts.

What's Included?

The Career Exploration Module includes three flexible activities that can be used independently or together:

Life Sciences Career Exploration

What careers exist in the life sciences?

Students explore career options, investigate required skills and experiences, and connect course content to potential career pathways.

Alumni Exploration

How did someone build a career in this field?

Students examine the educational and professional journeys of OSU Life Sciences alumni and reflect on lessons that may inform their own career development.

Career Talk Connections

What can I learn from someone who has been there?

Students engage with career seminars, guest speakers, or professional panels and connect those experiences to their own goals and development.

Learning Goals

These activities help students:

• Explore career opportunities within life sciences
• Analyze the skills, experiences, and knowledge required for various career options
• Connect coursework and co-curricular experiences to future careers
• Recognize and articulate transferable skills
• Reflect on their interests, strengths, and professional goals
• Assess how insights from a professional’s career journey may inform their own career development

Accessing the Module

This module is available through Canvas Commons.

To import the module:

1. Log into CarmenCanvas and open your dashboard.
2. Open Canvas Commons using the tab on the left.
3. Search for: Life Science Career Success Module
4. Import the module into your course.
5. Review and customize the activities to align with your course goals.

A complete instructor guide is included with suggestions for implementation and modifications.

Suggested Uses

The module may be used in:

• Introductory courses
• Upper-level major courses
• Seminar courses
• Graduate student professional development courses
• Career series and speaker events
• Extra credit opportunities

This module helps students connect who they are, what they are learning, and who they might become as life science professionals.