SparkPath: Discover the Problems Worth Solving
Most people choose a career path based on job titles like “Engineer” or “Computer Scientist.” A more effective starting point focuses on the problems you want to solve.
SparkPath is a short assessment for reframing the question from “what job should I do?” to “what problems do I actually want to solve?” This often surfaces directions you hadn’t considered.
Instead of forcing yourself into existing job categories, this assessment helps you identify:
- The challenges and opportunities that genuinely intrigue you—what problems in the world make you want to roll up your sleeves
- How your degree can be a tool to tackle those problems—what skills and knowledge does your field provide
- What you need to learn or develop to address the problems you care about
- Career paths that let you work on problems that matter to you—not just job titles that look good on a resume
When you start with problems instead of job titles, you:
- Broaden the range of career options available
- Focus on what you care about rather than limiting yourself to titles
- Find careers that actually excite you because they align with your values and curiosity
- Stay motivated because your work has meaning to you
- Discover less obvious career paths that could be perfect for you
How to Start
- Take the Sparkpath assessment (2-3 minutes, use code: Northeastern2023)
- Review your results to understand the problems and opportunities that matter to you
- Reflect on how these interests confirm or challenge your beliefs
- Set up an appointment with a career coach to debrief and plan next steps
How We Can Help
Drop in or set up an appointment with a Career Counselor to:
- Connect your interests to majors, industries, and career paths
- Identify skills to develop and roles where you can make an impact
- Build the language to communicate your fit in interviews
Questions?
Reach out to Career Design at huskycareers@northeastern.edu or visit the Career Studio for additional guidance.