PLANNING YOUR CAREER PATH

A career includes all jobs within a lifetime of employment.  Planning your career involves determining individual strengths and interests and matching those abilities with occupations. Once an occupation of interest is determined, it is important to investigate the necessary skills, abilities, and training to gain employment in a field of work.�Keep in mind that most people change jobs and even career paths at least five times within a lifetime so your first choice is not the only possibility.

Step 1: Determine your career interests by completing interest inventories and surveys. Take two or three to make sure the information is consistent with your interests

Career Interest Surveys

"What do I want to do for my career?"  and "What education do I need after high school to achieve my goal?" are important questions that need to be addressed.  One of the first steps that a student can take in the college/career search is in the process of self-knowledge.  Listed below are websites that contain surveys to assist in the self-discovery process.

Free Tests
Keirsey Character Sorter	O*Net
The Platinum Rule	America's Career Resource Network
Quest Career Center Inventory	Drive of Your Life - Interactive Game
GACollege411	Live Career
Career Toolbox	I Seek
MyPlan.com	CareerShip
The Beehive
Fee Tests
The Career Key - $7.95	MyPlan.com Career Assessment Tests - varies
Career Liftoff - $19.95

 Step Two: Research careers of interest. Research job descriptions, education requirements, earnings, skills and aptitudes needed, and advancements within the profession.

Career Research
GACollege411	ACT World of Work Map
Career Zone	Occupational Outlook Handbook
O*Net Occupation Search	CareerOneStop
Career Voyages	The Fun Works
BLS Career Information	Job Star
Mapping Your Future	I Seek
CareerShip	QuintCareers

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Step Three: Determine the post-secondary option that is best for you.

• University

• Community College

• Private College

• Technical School

• Apprenticeship

• Military

• Work

Step 4:  Set your career goals in writing.

• Based upon your research and career interest surveys write down your career goals

• Determine what high school courses you need to reach your goals

• Determine the finances needed to reach your goals

Step 5: Learn about the career through personal experiences.

• Shadow someone working in the profession

• Interview someone in the profession

• Obtain a summer internship working the in the field

• Join a student organization related to the profession

• Enroll in high school courses related to your job interest

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Additional Career Search Resources

Interview, letter writing, and resume advice My Future

Getting ready for college? Visit Off to College

Find student employment and learn about government jobs at Student Jobs

Search for careers in  "Health Careers in Georgia."

Navigate an Interactive Career Guide for teenagers.

Research careers at Career Infonet.

Obtain additional information at American School Counselor Association Web Site for career and college information.