Finding a Fit

When Julia Wiesbrock first enrolled at Elgin Community College at 21, she had no clear career path.

“My goal was just to finish school as fast as possible,” said the St. Charles resident. “But then I started thinking, ‘I don’t want to end up in a career that doesn’t make me happy.’”

She initially considered nursing, but began questioning her decision after shadowing a respiratory therapist and talking with professionals.

“Everyone I talked to seemed burnt out,” she said. “I realized I hadn’t explored enough options to know what I truly wanted.”

Everything changed when her English professor, John Mravik, gave a presentation highlighting ECC’s student support services. That’s when Wiesbrock learned about the Career Assessment Package (CAP) offered through Career Development Services.

The CAP helps students explore careers that align with their personality and interests through two assessments: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and the Strong Interest Inventory.

“I’ve always been interested in personality tests, so when I heard ECC offered the assessment and helped interpret the results, I signed up,” she said.

Wiesbrock met with Career Development Specialist Lynn Fagerlie, who explained the results and explored career paths that fit her strengths and goals.

“Lynn was amazing. She didn’t just give me a printout, she helped me understand how my personality type plays a role in the kind of work I’d enjoy.”

That conversation pointed Wiesbrock toward a new goal: occupational therapy.

ECC Career Development Specialist Peggy Gundrum said goal-setting is critical.

“We help students reflect on who they are and what they want, then guide them in setting intentional, achievable goals,” Gundrum said.

Today, Wiesbrock is working toward completing her Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in psychology and plans to transfer to North Central College for a dual bachelor’s/master’s program in occupational therapy.

“Before, I didn’t think I could handle six years of school,” she said. “Now I know I can."

Her advice for students still searching?

“Talk to someone. Take the assessment. Even if you don’t change your mind, you’ll learn something valuable about yourself.”

Career Development Services staff serve about 1,000 students annually, bridging education and meaningful employment through career exploration, goal-setting, and skill building like resume writing. This creates a stronger pipeline of skilled, confident graduates who can meet local workforce needs.