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 - careers in the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. Biological Technicians, Environmental Engineers, Soil and Plant Scientists. 

Architecture and Construction - careers in 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 - careers in 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 - careers in 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 - careers in planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning support services. Teachers, Administrators, Counselors, Library Technicians, Interpreters and Translators, Teaching Assistants.

Finance - careers in services for 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 - careers unique to government including 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 - careers in 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 - careers in the 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 - careers that prepare individuals for employment that relates to families and human needs. 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 - careers in planning, managing, and providing legal aid, public safety, protective services and homeland security, including professional and technical support services. Lawyers, Firefighters, Police Officers, Correctional Officers, Private Detectives, Paralegals, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics, Animal Control Workers.

Manufacturing - careers in planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products, and related professional and technical support activities. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians, Chemical Technicians, Dental Laboratory Technicians, Electrical and Electronics Drafters, Tool and Die Makers, Machinists, CNC Programmers and Operators, Jewelers, Machinists, Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters, Power Plant Operators.

Marketing - careers in planning, managing, and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives. Advertising Sales Agents, First-Line Supervisors of Sales Workers, Market Research Analysts, Sales Managers, Technical Sales Representatives, Public Relations Specialists, Retail Salespersons, Real Estate Sales Agents, Sales Engineers.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - careers in planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional/technical services, including research and development services. Aerospace Engineers, Biochemists and Biophysicists, Biomedical Engineers, Chemists, Economists, Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Physicists, Statisticians, Urban and Regional Planners.

Transportation, Distribution and Logistics - careers in the planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, pipeline, air, rail and water, and related professional/technical support services. Air Traffic Controllers, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Bus Drivers, Commercial Pilots, Flight Attendants, Logisticians, Motorcycle Mechanics, Truck Drivers