Exploring career options - advice?

Hi there! I'm starting to think about what careers might interest me, but I don't know where to start. Can anyone suggest any resources to help me explore the different types of careers available and maybe discover some things I didn't know about?

Hi! It's great that you're starting to explore career options. There are several resources you can use to begin your search and learn about various career paths:

1. Career Interest Inventories - There are multiple free or low-cost online career interest assessments that can help guide you based on your interests, skills, and values. Some popular options include the ONET Interest Profiler, RIASEC test, and YouScience. These inventories generally suggest occupational areas that match your interests and provide some insight into various careers within those fields.

2. Occupational Outlook Handbook - This is a resource from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) that offers detailed information on hundreds of careers, including job descriptions, education requirements, average pay, and future job growth projections. It can be a helpful starting point for comparing and contrasting various careers.

3. Job Shadowing/Informational Interviews - If you have some idea of potential careers you'd like to explore further, consider reaching out to professionals in those fields for an informational interview or job shadowing opportunity. This can give you a firsthand perspective on what the job is like and help you evaluate whether it's a good fit for you.

4. College Majors/Course Selection - Explore college majors related to your interests and review the courses required for each major. The subject matter of these courses can give you a sense of the skills and knowledge you'll gain, and this might help you narrow down potential career paths.

5. Volunteering/Internships - Gain hands-on experience in your areas of interest by participating in volunteer work or pursuing internships. These experiences can shed light on the day-to-day aspects of various careers while also building valuable skills.

6. Career Centers/Advisors/Counselors - Many high schools and colleges provide access to career advisors or career centers, where you can obtain help and resources tailored to your situation. It's often helpful to have a one-on-one conversation with a professional who can direct you to the appropriate resources for your needs.

Overall, the key is to take advantage of various resources and experiences to explore different career paths. Remember that it's normal to change your mind about careers as your interests and priorities evolve. Good luck on your journey!