Career Exploration

The job market continuously changes to meet the needs of an ever-changing world. When you consider the amount of time we spend working, it quickly becomes clear, the importance of choosing the right career. On average, people change jobs five times in their adult life. These changes are both circumstantial as well as individuals who choose to seek another career. Answering the three essential questions (who am I, where am I going, and how do I get there?) may provide the foundation you will need to choose the career that is best suited for you.

Who am I? The answers to this question includes: your values, interests, and abilities. Truly understanding yourself is the most important part of the search. Many people seek jobs for reasons that are not compatible with their own values and interests. Unfortunately some of these individuals struggle to find satisfaction from their jobs. In turn other aspects of their lives may be affected.

Where am I going? Here is where you begin to explore the various careers which match your own individuality. Using updated resources is extremely important. There are many jobs that recently have become extinct and some that are no longer in demand. Other careers are in high demand affording those individuals with extraordinary potential to grow within that field. Also, there are careers that currently do not exist, but will in the near future.

How do I get there? Now you begin outlining the steps needed to land that particular job or enter a certain career field. You may have to obtain more education/training or just revise a resume and begin applying.

Your guidance counselors along with the websites highlighted below can help you answer these essential questions and explore career options/trends. Answering these questions takes time and a level of maturity. As you mature throughout your middle and high school years answering these questions may become easier so it is important to revisit these sites. As mentioned this process takes a lot of time, so below are a number of links you can utilize at anytime. It is highly recommended that you become familiar with these sites because you may have to rely on them at various times throughout your life.

Big Future: Big future is a college search engine that you can access through www.collegeboard.com

It is an excellent site that can help students and their parents find colleges that best suit their needs.

Occupational Outlook Handbook: This site is sponsored by the United States Department of Labor. It is the most comprehensive resource for exploring careers. You can get the following information regarding nearly every job in existence: training and level of education required; potential earnings; expected job prospects; working conditions; and related careers. http://www.bls.gov/oco/