Career Awareness/Exploration
There are many options for exploring career possibilities and defining goals and interests.
  • During the summer register for a class on a college campus that explores a career area of interest or promotes skill development.

  • Arrange for a day to “shadow” a family friend or acquaintance who is in a field that interests you.

  • Call to arrange an informational interview with someone who is currently engaged in career in which you are interested.

  • Read the career suggestions included with your ACT score report. Review the suggestions made by your PLAN Interest Inventory.

  • Ask your counselor about accessing your school’s Internet subscription website (e.g.,Naviance) for career information.

  • Find a summer job or internship in an area of interest.

  • Participate in a work study/work readiness program at your school.

  • Volunteer at a location that will provide you exposure and involvement with potential career areas of interest.

  • Self-evaluate interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, establishing targets for improvement.

  • Acquire personal skills in areas, including (1) goal setting, (2) time management, (3) communication, (4) decision making, (5) problem solving, (6) intrapersonal (self) communication, (7) workplace ethics, (8) respectfulness, (9) wellness and safety, (10) ability to accept criticism and praise, (11) basic financial literacy, and (12) personal safety.” 8

Students can visit postsecondarychoices.org and click on the careers tab for links to career inventories.

Career assessment can help students identify: dreams and aspirations, goals, interests, learning style preferences, skills, work values and traits, aptitudes [and] possible barriers to success in postsecondary education and/or employment.9

8 Kochhar-Bryant, Carol, Bassett, Diane S., Webb, Kristine W. (2009) Transition to Postsecondary Education for Students
with Disabilities. Corwin Press and DCDT.
9 Chapter 6, Guidance and Career Counselors’ Toolkit, GWU, HEATH Resource Center