Career Exploration
Discover your interests, strengths, and the career paths that align with your passions and talents
Career exploration is a vital process that helps you understand your interests, values, and strengths while discovering potential career paths. By taking the time to explore different options now, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions about your college major and future career.
Know Yourself First
Self-Assessment Tools
Interests
What activities do you enjoy? What subjects excite you? What do you do in your free time?
Strengths
What are your natural abilities? What skills have you developed? What do others say you're good at?
Values
What matters most to you? What kind of work environment do you prefer? What impact do you want to make?
Assessment Resources
Free Online Assessments
Interest Inventories
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O*NET Interest Profiler
Discover work you might like based on your interests
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CareerExplorer
Comprehensive career assessment and exploration
Personality Assessments
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16Personalities
Myers-Briggs type indicator assessment
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CliftonStrengths
Discover your top 5 strengths themes
Career Research Strategies
Information Gathering
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Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook for job prospects
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Industry Publications
Trade magazines and professional journals
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Company Websites
Job descriptions and company culture information
Networking & Interviews
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Informational Interviews
Talk to professionals in fields of interest
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Job Shadowing
Observe professionals during a typical workday
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Professional Events
Attend industry conferences and networking events
Hands-On Exploration
Practical Experiences
Volunteer Work
- • Non-profit organizations
- • Community service projects
- • Hospital or clinic assistance
- • Environmental organizations
Internships
- • Summer internship programs
- • Part-time positions during school
- • Research assistantships
- • Industry-specific programs
Extracurriculars
- • Clubs related to career interests
- • Leadership positions
- • Competition teams
- • Student government
Exploration Timeline
High School Career Exploration
Foundation Years
Take career assessments, explore broad interest areas, join clubs, volunteer, and begin building relationships with teachers and mentors.
Junior Year
Conduct informational interviews, explore college majors, seek internships or job shadowing opportunities, and narrow down career interests.
Senior Year
Finalize college and major choices, apply for relevant scholarships, complete internships, and develop a post-graduation plan.
Popular Career Fields
STEM Careers
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Engineering
Software, mechanical, biomedical, environmental
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Technology
Data science, cybersecurity, AI, web development
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Healthcare
Medicine, nursing, physical therapy, research
Liberal Arts Careers
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Education
Teaching, administration, curriculum development
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Law & Government
Legal services, public policy, social work
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Creative Arts
Design, writing, media, entertainment
Business Careers
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Management
Project management, operations, consulting
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Finance
Banking, investment, accounting, insurance
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Marketing
Digital marketing, sales, brand management
Service Careers
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Social Services
Counseling, non-profit work, community development
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Public Safety
Law enforcement, firefighting, emergency services
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Ministry
Pastoral care, missions, Christian education
Kathy Howard
Guidance Counselor
Start Your Career Exploration Journey
The path to discovering your ideal career starts with understanding yourself and exploring your options. Take the first step today.