College is one of the most meaningful times in your life. It’s a time for new experiences and for making lifelong friends. It’s also a time for learning new things and challenging yourself to go beyond your comfort zone to discover who you are, who you want to become and how you want to leave your mark on the world. 

Sounds pretty epic, right? Well, it is! Your next chapter at Cumberland University is the first step of your impact journey. You will spend the next four years preparing for a meaningful career and impactful life that reaches far beyond your time at CU. And it all starts with your degree.

Earning a Degree Beyond Yourself means using your CU education and experiences to transform and shape the world around you. For some it means nursing, for others it may be teaching. Whatever your dream looks like, earning your degree will allow you to make a difference and impact others in big ways. 

At CU, we pride ourselves on matching students’ passions with careers that are fulfilling not just to them, but to the community around them. Have you ever considered how your degree will impact the world? We have! And we know you have what it takes to do amazing things. 

If you are not sure what you want to study or what your ideal career looks like, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you begin to find your path. 

What are your interests? 

The things you like to do in your free time can give you insight into possible careers that would be meaningful and enjoyable. To help define your interests, ask yourself:

• What are my favorite hobbies?
• Do I enjoy spending time indoors or outdoors?
• Do I enjoy working with people, animals, data or books?
• What activities would I miss the most if I could no longer do them?

What are your values?

What you value most can help you identify what careers you would find most rewarding. Your values are dictate your actions and priorities, and they weigh in on every decision you make. Your values reveal your highest priorities, your core beliefs and true character. 

What is your personality type? 

• Do you love to be around people? Or do you enjoy working on your own? 
• Do you like to lead or do you prefer to be part of the team? 
• Do you consider yourself to be competitive? 
• Do you enjoy helping others? 
• Are you creative and artistic? 
• Do you love to make plans or put plans into action? 

Whatever your personality type, what makes you you is exactly what the world needs. We will help you discover how all the big and small things that make you awesome will help shape meaning in your career. 

What skills do you have?

We know you have skills and we can’t wait to see what you can do! There are two types of skills to consider when thinking about what unique abilities make you great. 

• Hard skills: These skills are learned through study and education.
• Soft skills: These skills are learned through experience, such as time management, teamwork and problem solving. 

What are your strengths and talents? 

Every person has strengths and talents that make them one-of-a-kind. These special gifts can help you discern a career where you will excel. Maybe you’re great at drawing or a natural at public speaking? No matter where you shine, you can identify ways your strengths and talents can add value to your career.  

CU Succeed

As a student at CU, you will also have the opportunity to work closely with our academic coaches and faculty advisors. These superfans will get to know you personally and help guide you as you make important academic decisions for your future. They’re some of the most disciplined and dedicated people we know who are 100% committed to you, your success, and your goals. 

Cumberland is a place for your ideas and dreams to grow – a place where you belong. You have special gifts, talents, values, and interests that will help you succeed at CU and beyond. Whether you know which path you plan to take, or you’re still undecided, you have an opportunity to make the next four years in college count. Dive into your interests, join a new group that draws you out of your comfort zone, and find ways to put your heart into action and serve in your community. We believe earning a degree beyond yourself can truly transform your life, the lives of others and yes, even the world. Let your impact story start now. 

It’s time to rise!