What do you want to be when you grow up? We've all been asked this question before, probably multiple times. But, in reality it's not always an easy question to answer. Thankfully, there are many resources available to help you match your skills and interests to possible careers.
The sooner you begin exploring career interests, the easier it will be to choose the best path to achieve your goals. You are also more likely to discover opportunities and stumble across exciting new career options. Additionally, early discovery of the training and skills needed for a particular career will prepare and guide you when choosing classes and help you get ready.
- Resources for Researching Careers
- Career Interest Tools
Career Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*Net (Occupational Information Network)
- Reality Check
- Labor Market Career Information (LMCI)
- Careers (K-5) from Kids.gov
- Careers (6-8) from Kids.gov
- Career Ideas from NASA for Kids in Grades 5-8
- ACT – Explore Your Career Options
- Items to consider when researching careers
Career Clusters
The U.S. Department of Education has organized groups of similar occupations and industries into sixteen "career clusters". These related career areas make it easier to organize your career planning. Narrowing down your career exploration by focusing on the career cluster or clusters that most appeal to you will allow you to explore specific career options in more depth.