Creator: US Department of Labor | visit site
Grade Range: 8 - 11
"What do you want to do for a living?" is the springboard for this career and guidance site from the US Department of Labor. Choose from three options depending on how sharply focused your career goals are. Consider job titles, explore general career groups, or take an interest inventory to help guide you. Each job title links to a fuller description: the skills, abilities, and knowledge needed for the job, the education required, the job prospects in that career and the personality traits that are linked to success in the career. Job titles are also categorized by whether the long term prospects for growth in that category are strong, whether the career is part of the "green economy" and whether there are internships or job training programs associated with that career.
In the Classroom
Ask students to complete the interest inventory independently to get insight and ideas about possible careers. Then use the examples from students’ results to explore representative industries or job titles. Help students appreciate that career planning is an ongoing process that includes education, aptitudes, and personality in order to find a "good fit." My Next Move is a great resource for helping students get more concrete information and insight into the sometimes vexing question of "what I want to do when I grow up." Use it in guidance classes or as part of a budgeting and life planning section in Family and Consumer Science or business classes.
At Home
Comprehensive and interactive, My Next Move is a great site to explore with your teen as he or she considers career possibilities. Ask him or her to start with the interest inventory to get ideas, and then look at various careers or vocational areas to see what education and training are required.