What do you want to be when you grow up? That's a standard question grownups ask small children. Sometime in a child's high school years that question becomes a little more insistent. For some teens making decisions of such magnitude is daunting. It's important to remind them that nothing is set in stone as they begin to pursue possibilities. On the other hand, they also need to be reminded that their decisions may curtail or delay their choices in the future. If you forego algebra today, you may need to do some remediation if you later choose to follow a career path requiring algebra. More than one child in our extended family has chosen an initial post high school career path that wildly diverged from the dream career they had always planned to pursue.
Career assessment can be a useful tool for those teens that just don't have any idea what careers fit their interests. There are a number of free career assessment tools online. We've listed several here. There are also tests available for purchase. You can also find resources in most instances at your local community college.
Career Focus 2000 Interest Inventory
The CF2II contains 180 inventory items about work tasks drawn from 18 occupational fields that make up the U.S. work scene. By completing the CF2II, you will receive an analysis report indicating your level of interest in each field and a list of occupations matching your interests.
Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center
PDF Version
Dr. John Holland created a system of placing people's interests into groups. He believed every person's interests fit into at least one group and most fit into two or three groups. Your personal combination of Holland groups is your Holland Code. To begin discovering careers that match your interests, find your Holland Code by completing the Career Interest Checklist.
More ICPAC Career Resources
Work Interest Quiz
Just check the box next to any of the activities that you like to do. Your answers are analyzed and fit into two of the 6 work groups (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising or Conventional).
Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential
Answer 71 questions (approximately 20-minutes). View your sample report immediately upon completion. Your personal report will tell you job tasks you prefer and the top 11-20 jobs that fit you. Click on MAPP Match to use your 5 free job matches. This allows you to research jobs and learn more about where you fit in the world of work. You will have the option to purchase a full report with personal, detailed career information. Each additional report includes job matching so you can continue to research your best job fit.
The Princeton Review Career Quiz
This summary quiz is designed only to give you a taste of the Performance Profile Survey, which constructs a much deeper and more accurate individual profile.
Exploring Occupations
We’ve provided information on almost two hundred occupational options.
What Can I Do With A Major In...?
Wondering what job possibilities exist for an English major? This site gives you that information.
JobStar Career Guides
A listing of sites packed with information about planning your career. What kind of training or education is required? What can you earn? What kind of environment will you work in? What's hot? What's not?
Career Paths
This page is broken into three sections. The first division is "Career Choices". By clicking on "Career Choices", you will visit a page that contains a list of sites that will help you narrow down that career choice. Once you have narrowed down your career interests, you can click on the "Career Biographies" division which contains professional insight into individual careers. Finally, you can visit the "Career Preparation" division to learn interview, cover letter, and resume tips.
Career Links by Major
Includes professional organizations, specific career guides, certificate or accreditation programs, and career resources.
Career Games
This site features several workshops and games that facilitate the PIE career development method practiced by Daniel Porot, a leading European pioneer in career design and job hunting.
The Career Interests Game
This is a game designed to help you match your interests and skills with similar careers. It can help you begin thinking about how your personality will fit in with specific work environments and careers.
Career Matching Assistant
The career module helps you identify and prepare for a career that suits your interests, skills, and abilities.
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a nationally recognized source of career information, designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. Revised every two years, the Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
Mission Possible: Finding an Internship
Find an internship to suit your talents, interests and career goals.
Armed Forces Careers
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