Career

Career Planning Resources using Naviance

Step 1: Reflect and Discover

Discover Your Interests and Aptitudes

• Naviance - Try the StrengthsExplorer, Career Interest Profiler, & Cluster Finder 

• Keirsey.com - Try the Kiersey Temperament Sorter, a personality test

• Big Future - Match your interests with careers

• 16 Personalities - Try this personality test to gain a better understanding of yourself

• ASVAB Career Exploration Program - This test assesses your aptitudes and interests (See ASVAB Page)

Explore Your Areas of Interest through Classes

• LISD Program of Study and Endorsement Areas

• Consider Austin Community College & take classes while in high school

Other Ways to Explore

• Join related clubs/organizations

• Volunteer (try Volunteer Match or peruse KUT's Get Involved page)

• Work, intern (try Texas Internship Challenge)

Step 2: Research Careers and Earnings Potential

• What will you need to make to support your lifestyle?  Try the Reality Check to get an idea!

• Learn more about specific careers using Naviance's Explore Careers & Clusters tool

• Find out more about job descriptions, outlook, earnings potential, and education requirements using:

  •      Occupational Outlook Handbook - assembled by the U.S. Dept of Labor

  •      ONET - career exploration and job analysis

Consider:

• What will a certificate earn you?  An associate's degree?  A bachelor's degree?  A graduate degree?

• Are there job openings in this field?

• Are there other related jobs that are more secure?

Step 3: Determine an Educational Path

Research which institutions will offer a path to your career.  Do you need to go to a technical or trade school?  Community college?  Four-year institution?  Graduate school?  Where should you start?

• Naviance's College SuperMatch and Big Future's College Search both offer college search tools that allow you to filter for schools by major.

• Austin Community College offers many degrees and certificates, or is a good place to start your education if you're unsure.  

• ACC also has a Continuing Education Workforce Development program - they offer certificates that can help you quickly enter the workforce.