Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

I-Explore Week

Explore the possibilities


Students exploring areas of study and careers are invited to participate in the Division of General Studies first-ever I-Explore Week in collaboration with The Career Center and the Exploration Living-Learning Community, University Housing.

An exciting, full schedule of activities begin with the popular Majors and Minors Fair where students can gain valuable and timely information to assist with the exploration process in meetings with College representatives.

Pine Lounge in the Illini Union will be the site for accelerated mini-conference sessions led by professionals from The Career Center ready to help with career exploration. Inspirational talks will cover a variety of options and approaches to aid majors and minors discovery.

The week’s slate of events will offer strategies to help inform students’ decision-making as they invest in future success through educational paths that fit their career goals and aspirations.

 

Monday, September 30

Majors and Minors Fair

The Majors & Minors Fair is a partnership between the Division of General Studies (DGS), the Career Center (TCC), and Exploration Living-Learning Community (LLC) in University Housing. Please consider attending this event if you are undeclared or exploring majors/minors of interest. At this event, you can expect an opportunity to:

  • Explore the various majors and minors at the University
  • Connect with advisors, faculty, staff, and other support services
  • Learn about different resources offered across campus

Drop-In Career Coaching

Time: 1:30 - 4:00pm
Location: Illini Union Pine Lounge

Major Inspiration Talks

10-minute major inspiration talks occurring every half hour
Location: Illini Union Pine Lounge

  • 1:30pm - Using your student involvement and civic engagement as major inspiration
  • 2:00pm - Follow your interests into a major
  • 2:30pm - Explore major and career options with LAS
  • 3:00pm - Major options for the Health Professions
  • 3:30pm - Searching handshake for major options
Tuesday, October 1

Utilizing Handshake for Major and Career Exploration

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Student Services Arcade Building (The Career Center) Conference Room

Are you feeling uncertain about choosing the right major or exploring potential career paths? Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help you leverage Handshake, the premier career development platform, to make informed decisions about your future. In this session, you will discover how to:

  • Navigate Handshake Resources 
  • Connect with Industry Professionals
  • Access Internship and Job Listings 
  • Personalize your Career Exploration

Whether you're undecided or looking to refine your path, this workshop will provide you with practical skills and valuable resources to make confident decisions about your academic and career journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to take charge of your future with Handshake!

ICT What?

Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm
Location: IUB 514 (DGS Office)

The Intercollegiate Transfer (ICT) process at Illinois varies depending on which major a student would like to pursue. Join us in this workshop as we explore the ICT process for the various majors, colleges, and schools at Illinois. We will share ICT information and instructions on how to apply to your major of interest.

Wednesday, October 2

Building Creative Confidence

Times: 3:00pm and 4:00pm
Location: SDRP Room 2025A
Presented as a collaboration with Exploration LLC and Siebel Center for Design

Creativity is a vital part of human-centered design, and a core skill for 21st-century learners. Human-centered design can motivate learners to develop a creative mindset that facilitates problem-solving through collaboration and critical thinking. Developing creative confidence - the belief that we all have the potential to innovate and solve problems through creative outcomes - will take you even further. Join us to learn the essential qualities to fostering creativity, and participate in activities designed to encourage creative confidence.

Thursday, October 3

Following Your Interests Into a Major

Time: 2:00 - 3:00pm
Location: Student Services Arcade Building (The Career Center) Conference Room

Feeling uncertain about choosing a major? Are your interests and passions not aligning with your current academic direction? Join us for a reflection workshop designed to help you turn your interests into a fulfilling major. In this engaging session, you will:

  • Explore techniques to clarify your interests and how they can translate into academic and career goals
  • Explore tools that allow you to explore a variety of majors and academic programs
  • Develop a personalized plan to navigate your major selection process

This workshop is perfect for anyone feeling unsure about their major or seeking to align their studies with their true passions. Take the first step toward a major that excites and motivates you—join us and follow your interests into a major that’s right for you!

 

Study Abroad First Steps for Exploring Students

Time: 2:30-3:30 pm
Location: IUB 514 (DGS Office)

Interested in studying abroad, but not sure what programs to look for as an Exploring Student in DGS?   Want to study abroad after you declare a major, but ready to explore options now?  Attend a First Steps Workshop to learn what it means to study abroad: how to select a program, components of an application, and how study abroad can advance your academic, professional, and personal goals. Topics covered in the presentation include:

  • Academics
  • Housing
  • Program duration/type
  • Locations
  • Costs

Studying Abroad is a great way to explore your interests, develop a stronger sense of yourself and your values, and further define your academic and career goals.      

We welcome all students to learn more about what study abroad has to offer. This presentation is focused on general information and outlines the basic first steps of the study abroad process.

Friday, October 4

Writing a Personal Statement for the ICT Process

Time: 12:00 - 1:00pm
Location: Student Services Arcade Building (The Career Center) Conference Room

Are you preparing to transfer to a new major or college at Illinois? Often you must submit a personal statement. This is an opportunity to showcase your experiences, goals, and motivations for this new academic goal. Join us for an in-depth workshop designed to help you craft a compelling and persuasive personal statement.