Career Pathways

Exploring Career Pathways is an important step in planning your future. It helps you discover your interests, strengths, and the types of jobs that might be a good fit for you. By learning about different careers—through online resources, classes, job shadowing, internships, or talking to professionals—you can make more informed decisions about your education and future goals. Career exploration isn’t about having all the answers right away; it’s about staying curious and open to possibilities as you grow and learn more about yourself.  Are you ready to explore?
Click the links underlined in red to begin your journey! 

CT Career Paths Online Booklet - Read more about the 16 National Career Clusters here

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources - production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. Biological Technicians, Environmental Engineers, Soil and Plant Scientists. 

Architecture and Construction - computer aided drafting and design, planning, managing, building and maintaining the physical infrastructure environment, e.g. buildings, homes, parks, bridges, roads and highways, etc. Architects, Civil Engineers, Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. 

Arts, A/V Technology and Communications - designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content, e.g. visual and performing arts and design, journalism, etc. Art Directors, Audio and Video Equipment Technicians, Graphic Designers, Musicians and Singers, Producers and Directors, Writers and Authors.

Business, Management and Administration - planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations. Chief Executives, Human Resources Specialists, Management Analysts, Meeting and Event Planners, Operations Research Analysts, Purchasing Managers. 

Education and Training - cplanning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services. Teachers, Administrators, Counselors, Library Technicians, Interpreters and Translators, Teaching Assistants.

Finance - financial and investment planning, banking, insurance, and business financial management. Accountants, Actuaries, Budget Analysts, Financial Managers, Credit Analysts, Loan Officers, Tax Preparers, Insurance Sales Agents, Insurance Underwriters, Personal Financial Advisors.

Government and Public Administration - governance, national security, regulation, and management and administration at the local, state, and federal levels. Compliance Officers, Financial Examiners, Occupational Health and Safety Specialists, Statistical Assistants, Tax Examiners and Collectors, Transportation Inspectors, Postal Service Clerks. 

Health Science - planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development. Acupuncturists, Athletic Trainers, Chiropractors, Dental Hygienists, Dietitians and Nutritionists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Pharmacists, Physical Therapists, Nurses, Surgeons, Veterinarians. 

Hospitality and Tourism - management, marketing and operations of restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events and travel related services. Animal Trainers, Bakers, Bartenders, Cooks, Food Service Managers, Gaming Dealers, Lodging Managers, Waiters.

Human Services - Barbers, Funeral Home Managers, Health Educators, Social Workers, Psychologists, Counselors, Therapists, Childcare Workers, Loan Officers.

Information Technology - entry level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services. Computer and Information Systems Managers, Software Developers, Computer Programmers, Database Administrators, Web Developers, Computer User Support Specialists, Network and Computer Systems Administrators.

Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security - Lawyers, Firefighters, Police Officers, Correctional Officers, Private Detectives, Paralegals, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics, Animal Control Workers.

Manufacturing - Welders, Sheet Metal Fabricators, Aerospace construction, Electrical and Electronics Drafters, Tool and Die Makers, Machinists, CNC Programmers and Operators, Assembly and Production Workers, Warehouse Workers, Forklift Operators.

Marketing - Advertising Sales Agents, First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers, Market Research Analysts, Sales Managers, Sales Representatives, Public Relations Specialists, Retail Salespersons, Real Estate Sales Agents, Sales Engineers.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - Aerospace Engineers, Biochemists and Biophysicists, Biomedical Engineers, Chemists, Economists, Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Environmental Engineers, Computer Engineers, Computer Science, Physicists, Statisticians, Urban and Regional Planners, System Analysts.

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics - Air Traffic Controllers, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Bus Drivers, Commercial Pilots, Flight Attendants, Logisticians, Motorcycle Mechanics, Truck Drivers, Forklift Operators, Warehouse Workers.