Explore Careers

Find resources to explore your career options and set your career goal.

Exploring different careers and options is an important step. You'll know which career options match your goals. It is helpful to set a career goal and then create an education goal that will match.

Why Should You Explore Careers?

You'll find accurate information about your work options and places to work.
You'll know what type of education or training you need.
You'll learn how and where to apply for jobs.
You'll make networking contacts who can help you when you're ready to look for work.
You'll learn about trends in the job market that can affect your career planning.

Career Exploration Checklist

The activities below are ways to explore careers. Try some or all of the activities to help create your ultimate career goal.

Take an interest assessment. Try the MnCareers Interest Assessment .
Use a career information system to read about specific careers. Explore careers on CAREERwise Education.
Discover which career pathways match your goals.
Gather details about careers that interest you. Collect details on average wage, training and skills required, expected employment demand in your area, and typical job duties.
Read books or watch videos about careers or goal setting.
Interview someone in a career of interest to you. Learn about informational interviews.
Attend a job fair or career day. Find a job or career fair near you.
Ask a college admissions representative for advice on what it takes to get into their program.
Talk to military recruiters.
Talk about your career plans with your family, a mentor, or someone in your community. Learn about networking.
Go on a job shadow, a work site visit, or other work-based learning opportunity. Learn about work-based learning.
Discuss your career plans with a school adviser or career counselor. Find help on campus. Or, talk with a WorkForce Center career counselor about career opportunities in your region. Find your local WorkForce Center.
Prepare a resume. Learn about resumes.

Use this printable Explore Careers Checklist (90KB, .pdf) to track your progress.