Future Planning

College and Careers

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Don't worry if you don't yet know what you want to do but now is the time to start to explore different careers and occupations. Below is a list of resources to help you connect your interests, strengths and skills with careers that could be a good fit for you. 

New York Career Zone
Career Zone offers interest inventories that will connect your likes and skills with careers. It will give you descriptions of different occupations and the steps it takes to start that career. Additionally, you can set up a personal portfolio where you can save all your information. This is extremely useful especially when applying for colleges in the future. 

GPS For Success!
This site allows you to explore the 16 different career clusters and has informational videos to help you better understand each cluster. Check out the Resources>Student Resources tab to take a Career Cluster Interest Survey and learn more about local colleges and see local job opportunities. This site is unique because it will connect you with jobs and information specifically in Upstate New York! mygpsforsuccess.com

Occupational Outlook Handbook
The United States Department of Labor puts out national statistics about different occupations. Check this site out for information on education/training, median pay, projected growth rate and projected number of job. 

Checklist for College Readiness
Check out this proactive checklist so you are prepared and ready for when you apply to college in the future. 

Jeff Lewis BOCES: Career and Technical Programs
Find out more about the different programs you can start when you are in high school. Examples include: Visual Communications, Carpentry, Electronic and Computer Tech, New Visions Health, Culinary Arts/Baking, Cosmetology and Heavy Equipment Repair. 

Become an Apprentice or Join a Union
Becoming an apprentice means taking an important first step towards a rewarding, well-paying career. As an apprentice, you will earn a paycheck while you learn a skilled trade through on-the-job training under the guidance and supervision of experienced workers and related classroom training. You must be 18 years old or at least 16 years old with parental approval. The length of training varies from one to six years, depending on the trade.