<p>Hi! I was wondering if any current students or alumni who have used the Center for Career Development Center at Rice could offer their opinions as to how helpful this center is to undergraduate students who don't yet have a clear idea of what they want to do as far as a career? Has anyone had any specific experience with this? Thanks for any information!</p>
<p>Are you asking as a student, parent of a Rice student, or parent of a clueless high school student? 
I don’t have any experience with the CCD (nor does my student), but I will say that Rice allows 2 years for a major decision to be made and then there is tremendous support through the advisor, etc beyond that. If you are a parent of a clueless HS student, perhaps have them take the Myers - Brigg personality test (I think that is what it is). It will suggest different career paths they may enjoy… yes, it’s pretty variable, but may give your student some ideas of things they had not thought of.</p>
<p>In addition to the Myers-Brigg, as recommended by crazymomster, also spend a few $'s and take the Strong Interest Inventory test. You can do this on your own if you are not yet a matriculated student and maybe even if you already are. </p>
<p>I have been to a handful of presentations at Huff house (on Rice campus) by various personnel with the Career Development Center. In all cases, I left with being extremely impressed with their work, knowledge and commitment (kind of like everything else at Rice really). With that in mind, understand that does not mean they can articulate the path for a poet, or lead them to a certain job path or opportunity.</p>
<p>Great question… I came into Rice as a premed and underwent a crisis sophomore year when I realized that the skills required for success as a premed are not what I am good at. I am a very hands-on learner, but I did not really completely realize this at the time.</p>
<p>Back when I was on campus, Rice’s career center offered a “Sophomore sessions” deal designed for sophomores, as the name implies. There are a number of programs designed based on what year you are. Sophomore Sessions was awesome to me because in a 10-week program, we took a number of skill and interest assessments (including the Myers-Briggs and the Strongs, as indicated by the previous posters). I ended up realizing that research was a good career for me.</p>
<p>12 publications and a PhD later, I could not be happier with the insight and the 1-on-1 sessions I had with those career advisors, and moreover, the education I had at Rice. Rice really opened doors for me, and even though I was not on scholarship or grants (as an international student this is typically the case), I believe my Rice degree was worth every dollar.</p>