Vocation Exploration
Vocation: More than Just a Job
Academic advisors at Saint Louis University help students design their degree programs, including a student's major as well as possible minors or a second major. This conversation is often based on a student's career goals. But as a Jesuit institution, SLU encourages its students to think beyond jobs or careers and to also reflect on their vocation.
In this context, vocation refers to who you are called to be more than just what you are called to do. It refers to all aspects of your life like your family, friends, and community, as well as your pursuit of justice for others and the way you interact with the earth. And the process of understanding it requires an internal journey rather than an external search – it is not something you find but something that is already in you, something that is revealed to you.
When applying this concept to choosing a major or career, Fr. Michael Himes, of Boston College, poses three important questions for reflection: What gives you joy — what do you love to do? What are you good at — the unique God-given gifts and talents that you possess? And does anyone need you to do it — is this work something that society needs? We encourage you to spend some time with these questions as you also ponder your career and major options.
Discovering the things that bring you joy, that utilize your talents, and work that the world needs you to do is a process that takes time, experience, conversations, and personal reflection. Take advantage of the opportunities listed below to help you learn more about yourself so you can begin to better understand your vocation.
Academic-Focused Vocation Opportunities
Through activities, small group conversations, and interactions with professionals in business, you will explore your personal calling as a business major and how you may drive impact and common good in your career pursuits. All business majors welcome. Light breakfast and lunch provided.
Review the flier for details.
Mentoring Math Minds (MMM) is a yearlong, structured program for undergraduate and graduate students that provides opportunities to get involved with research in mathematics alongside faculty mentors. Participants gain hands-on experience with research projects, receive personalized guidance from faculty and peer mentors, and develop essential professional skills. MMM also offers skill-building and research workshops open to all, and fosters a supportive community where students can expand their networks and build confidence to succeed in academic and career paths.
Applications open each year and include scholarship opportunities.
Visit Mentoring Matters in Psychology to learn more about events for students in the field of psychology.
* These events are restricted to psychology majors only. *
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, in the Busch Student Center room 173.
Connect with faculty and staff to learn about and discuss ways to choose and/or enhance your current degree program(s). These conversations might include a new major, second majors, minors, study abroad, prelaw, prehealth, competitive fellowships and scholarships, internships, department-sponsored activities, graduate programs, and certificates.
The Office of Career Services will be hosting a Graduate School Fair for internal SLU graduate programs.
Personal and Reflection-Focused Vocation Opportunities
Friday, Oct. 16 - Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, Manresa Retreat Center
Grow in community and in faith through sharing your love of music. Open to members of SLU’s Sunday Evening Student Mass choir, this day of reflection will offer times for shared prayer, conversation in small groups, recreation, and of course, song.
For more information, contact Sally Iocca at sally.iocca@slu.edu.
Tuesday, Jan. 5 - Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027 Manresa Retreat Center, Cost: $50
The Ignatian Silent Retreat introduces the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. During the retreat, you will be invited to explore the Ignatian style of prayer by reflecting inward and taking a closer look at your own experience of God through imagination and scripture. You will meet with a spiritual director individually to reflect on and discuss your prayer experiences.
For more information, contact Ainsley Freed at ainsley.freed@slu.edu or Angela Graves at angela.graves@slu.edu
Explore these options that encourage you to interact with others in different ways. Check out your options, even if you have completed this requirement for your degree.
Spending time abroad is a great way to learn more about the things that are important to you. Learn more about all the study abroad options available to SLU students.
Go to the "Am I Career Ready" module after you create your Focus 2 account. Find instructions on the Career Services page.
Career-Focused Vocation Opportunities
This event is a career event for students interested in all areas of business on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. Learn more about the Chaifetz School of Business Career Fair.
Attend the Fall 2026 Career Expo from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept 16. All students, including freshmen, are encouraged to attend and learn more about career opportunities. Learn more about the Fall Career Expo.
Attend the networking social from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21. Learn more about the Healthcare Networking Social.
This fair is an opportunity for students to connect with employers recruiting both full-time, professional and internship positions. This virtual fair will be hosted through Handshake from noon - 3 p.m. on Oct. 28. This event is open to all students. Learn more.
Learn about SLU graduate programs from 4-6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Cook Hall auditorium. Plan to attend and speak with representatives from internal SLU programs. Learn more.
Are you interested in becoming a physician? Unsure if medicine is the right path for you? Gain insights from doctors who have navigated medical school and medical practice. This event will feature a panel discussion with diverse physicians who will share their path to medicine and provide insight into their current careers. Among them, we will host a representative from SLU School of Medicine Admissions to talk about what makes an applicant a successful candidate for med school. This is a great opportunity for any student considering a career in medicine. All students welcome! Sponsored by the Pre-Health Office.
This event is open to all students and meets at noon (location TBA). Representatives from Career Services, the University Honors Program, and the University Writing Services will speak about their services, particularly as they apply to students majoring in political science and similar fields. Email pols-ugc@slu.edu with questions.
The Spring 2027 Career Expo will be held from noon - 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2027, in the Wool Ballrooms at the Busch Student Center. All students are encouraged to attend to explore career paths and learn about job and internship opportunities. Advanced registration is not required. Learn more.
The Virtual Networking and Career Fair is an opportunity for students to connect with employers recruiting for job and internship opportunities. This virtual fair will be hosted through Handshake on Wednesday, March 31, 2027, from 12 -3 p.m. Central Time. Learn more.
Please contact Peggy Dotson if you would like to add an event or activity to this page.