Career exploration is a journey of self-reflection, evaluation, and discovery. Online self-assessment tools can be valuable in helping students identify their skills, values, and interests. While this knowledge is helpful for planning a fulfilling career, it represents just one part of the exploration process. Students also need to actively engage in real-world experiences within and beyond their school community to learn more about themselves. Additionally, discussing their future with those who know them well can provide valuable insights for career planning.
A career in the armed services can be a great option for individuals who want to build technical skills and and gain leadership experiences that prepare them to be successful in a global economy. Military members also enjoy a variety of educational benefits while on active duty or after, and include federal loan deferment and repayment programs. Beyond the education benefits, military personnel enjoy free housing and healthcare for themselves and their families as well as generous travel and retirement benefits. While military jobs vary in terms of responsibility, each is essential to accomplishing the overall mission of defending our country. It’s also important to note that about 85 percent of these roles do not involve direct combat.
Learn more about Careers in the military.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program includes an aptitude test and interest assessment. The results are used to guide career exploration and career planning.
Check with your High School Career Center about the ASVAB at your high school.
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program offered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U.S. Military.
In exchange for a paid college education and a guaranteed post-college career, participants, or cadets, commit to serve in the Military after graduation. Each Service branch has its own take on ROTC.
This official government site provides information on enlisting and education benefits.
This site is easy to navigate and provides useful information in a well organized interface.
This official government site provides general information and official links to each branch of the U.S. Military.
Encourage is a comprehensive exploration and planning tool that empowers students to understand their choices for life after high school and helps them make informed decisions about their futures.
Whether students start planning in their seventh-grade or senior year, the Encourage app provides step-by-step guidance to help them set and achieve college and career goals.
For specific information regarding any of these opportunities please visit your school counselor or college and career center.