Your future has no limits. Which is why you’ll want some help finding a path that’s right for you.
Choosing a college and a career path is a big decision. College costs money and it takes time. So it’s best to shop around, see what’s out there and then make the choice that’s right for you. You can start by researching and comparing your options for the future, including career paths, job opportunities, college degrees and types of colleges. Then, think about how they match up with your interests.
Some ideas and resources for researching careers.
Once you’ve picked two or three career pathways that sound good to you, find out what they’re like in the real world. What can you expect to earn? What are the working conditions? How many jobs will be open in the future? It’s important to learn more about careers before you decide on a job, college or major.There are several ways to get this information. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics online has information about career pathways in the Career Guide to Industries. The career guide tells you which skills, abilities and interests are important for each pathway, what jobs are available, and what pay and benefits you can expect.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics online also has information about specific jobs. Every two years, the bureau publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This tells you what workers do on the job, how much training and education is needed, and how many jobs will be available in the future. These tools can help you decide if a career pathway or job is right for you.
Finally, you might be able to use the Washington Occupation Information System (WOIS) in your school library or guidance office. WOIS has information on more than 500 jobs and more than 400 education programs. It includes almost all recognized college and trade schools in Washington and helps you learn more about the job market.
If you don’t have online access, many public libraries have online or hard copies of the Career Guide to Industries and the Occupational Outlook Handbook. And, you can talk to your school counselor and other adults about careers in your own city or town.