Career Planning Resources
Step 1: Reflect and Discover
Discover Your Interests and Aptitudes
Naviance (open Leander Launchpad and find the Naviance tile to log into your account) - try the StrengthsExplorer, Career Interest Profiler, & Cluster Finder
Kiersey.com - try the Kiersey Temperament Sorter, a personality test
Big Future - match your interests with careers
ASVAB Career Exploration Program - this FREE test assesses your aptitudes and interests and will be next offered at Vandegrift in the fall of 2024. When date(s) are known, you can register using the link below:
After taking the ASVAB:
Step 1: Understanding your ASVAB Results video
Step 2: Use your access code (bottom right of score report) to log into ASVAB website (click "create account"), then complete the Find Your Interest inventory (FYI video tutorial).
Step 3: Connect your results as guided through the Exploring the Occu-Find video
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
Participate in Career Chats hosted during the school day at Vandegrift
Volunteer (try Volunteer Match or KUT's Get Involved page)
Work, intern (try Texas Internship Challenge), or job shadow
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.