Once you understand your interests, skills, and values, the next step is exploring how they connect to real-world careers. This phase is about curiosity—learning what’s out there and what might be a good fit.
What to Research
When exploring careers, go beyond job titles—dig into what the experience is actually like.
Job Titles & Career Paths
- What are common entry-level, mid-level, and advanced roles?
- What are alternative or related job titles in this field?
Daily Responsibilities
- What does a typical day or week look like?
- What types of tasks are most common?
Work Environment
- Office, remote, outdoors, healthcare setting, etc.
- Independent work vs. team-based collaboration
Education & Skills Required
- Degrees, certifications, or licenses
- Technical and transferable skills
Salary & Job Outlook
- Entry-level vs. experienced salary ranges
- Industry growth and demand
Explore: Compare Careers That Interest You
Choose 2–3 careers you’re interested in and compare them. Use trusted platforms to explore accurate and up-to-date career information.
| Category | Career 1 | Career 2 | Career 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Title | |||
| Daily Tasks | |||
| Education Needed | |||
| Salary Range | |||
| What Excites Me | |||
| What Concerns Me |
Learn: Discover Careers from Real-World Insights
See Careers in Action
- Watch “day in the life” or “a week in the life” videos
- Follow professionals in your field on social media
Engage with Employers
- Attend career fairs, panels, or networking events
- Join employer info sessions or virtual events
Talk to Real People
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals or alumni
- Ask about their career path, challenges, and advice
Evaluate: Narrow Down Your Best-Fit Options
As you explore, start refining your focus:
- Look for patterns in what excites you across careers
- Notice dealbreakers (schedule, environment, education length, etc.)
- Eliminate options that don’t align with your values or lifestyle goals
- Keep 2–3 strong options to explore more deeply
You don’t have to pick one “forever career.” You’re identifying strong starting points.
Act: Take the Next Step Toward Your Career
Once you’ve narrowed your options:
- Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities
- Join student organizations related to your field
- Start building relevant skills (courses, certifications, projects)
This could help you move from “that sounds interesting” to “this feels like a good fit.”