Career Exploration

Exploring careers is about discovering what kind of work feels meaningful and right for you. This page gives you tools and ideas to learn about different paths, so you can make choices with more clarity and confidence.

Career Research Tools

O*NET Online
Explore detailed descriptions of hundreds of careers, including skills, work tasks, and education.

My Next Move
A simpler, easy-to-use version of O*NET that helps you browse careers by interests or keywords.
Visit My Next Move

Occupational Outlook Handbook
See job outlook, typical pay, and training requirements for careers in the United States.

Exploration Activities

Informational Interviews
Informational interviews are conversations you set up with people who work in fields you are curious about. They are not job interviews but a chance to learn. You can ask questions about what their day looks like, how they got started, and what skills are most important. To find people, start with your own network such as friends, family, classmates, or alumni from your school. LinkedIn is also a good place to reach out and request a short 20 to 30 minute chat. Most professionals are happy to share advice.

Job Shadowing
Job shadowing is when you spend a few hours or even a day following someone at their job to see what the work is like firsthand. This gives you a behind the scenes look at daily tasks, work environment, and the pace of the role. Many schools, career centers, and even local employers are open to arranging shadowing opportunities if you ask. It is also something you can set up informally by contacting people in your community or network.

Volunteering or Internships
Volunteering or internships give you a chance to try out a role while building skills and connections. Volunteering can be a flexible way to test different settings such as nonprofits, hospitals, or community programs and see what feels like a fit. Internships, even short term ones, are a structured way to gain experience, add to your resume, and show future employers you have tried out the field. Many organizations post opportunities on their websites, or you can reach out directly to ask how you might help.

Networking
Networking is about building relationships and learning from others, not just asking for jobs. Start by talking with people you already know such as classmates, coworkers, teachers, or neighbors and let them know what you are exploring. Ask them if they know anyone you could talk with. You can also attend career fairs, professional association events, or even online groups in your field of interest. Each conversation expands your knowledge and may lead to more contacts.