Are you overwhelmed with choice? You're not alone--figuring out your future can feel like a huge task. Whether you already have a general idea of what you want to do or you're starting from scratch, there are powerful tools available to help you explore.
Want to compare different types of careers in similar fields? Curious about the skills or education needed for a job that interests you?
This page is your launchpad for discovering online resources that make career exploration easier, clearer, and more personalized. Dive in and start charting your path with confidence.
CaliforniaColleges.edu
CaliforniaColleges.edu offers robust exploration tools designed to help students identify and pursue aligned with their interests and strengths. Through interactive Career Assessments, students can discover their work preferences, values, and personality traits, which then connect to potential career paths. The platform provides detailed information on hundreds of careers, including typical responsibilities, salary ranges, job outlooks, and required education levels. Students can also explore how different college majors relate to specific careers and plan high school coursework that aligns with their goals. These tools empower students to make informed decisions about their future education and career paths early on.
NorthStateCareers.org (North Far North Careers) is a regional initiative supporting California's Strong Workforce Program, aiming to enhance career technical education (CTE) in high schools and community colleges to meet local workforce demands. Managed by the North Far North Regional Consortium (NFNRC), it serves the state's largest geographic area, encompassing 22 counties from the Sacramento Metro area to the Oregon border, and from the North Coast across the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountain Ranges to the Nevada border. The region includes 15 community colleges across two subregions: the Greater Sacramento Area and the Far North. The platform offers resources to explore high-demand industries, align educational pathways, and connect with regional colleges, helping students and job seekers plan for careers that meet local economic needs.
CareerOneStop.org is a free, easy-to-use website that helps you explore careers, find jobs, and plan your future. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, it’s packed with tools just for students like you—whether you’re figuring out what you want to do or looking for your first job. You can take quick assessments to discover careers that match your interests and skills, watch videos to learn about different jobs, and get tips on resumes, interviews, and more. It also shows you where to find training programs, scholarships, and even local job openings. Plus, there’s special support for groups like veterans and students with unique challenges. If you're thinking about your next steps after high school, CareerOneStop is a great place to start.
CareerSpring.org is a free website made to help first-generation and low-income students plan for their futures. It offers career videos where you can learn about different jobs and get tips on how to succeed after high school. You can also connect with career advisors--real professionals who answer your questions and give advice. The platform helps students find paid internships and job opportunities with companies that want to hire diverse talent. There's even a special program for college students to explore careers and gain work experience early on. If you're looking for career support, connections, and job leads, CareerSpring is a great place to start.
Extern.com is a website where high school and college students can join short, remote work experiences called Externships. These Externships last about 4-12 weeks and let you work on real projects for well-known companies like Beats by Dre, Expedia, and PwC. They're flexible, so you can do them while still going to school. You'll get help from mentors and learn useful skills like teamwork, communication, and how to use tools like AI. Some programs even offer a small payment, especially for community college students. No experience is needed to get started, and it's a great way to build your resume and explore different careers. If you want real-world experience with big-name companies from the comfort of your home, Extern.com is a great place to start!