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Things to consider:

Think about what YOU like

List your interests (subjects you enjoy, hobbies, topics you like to read/watch) and identify your strengths (skills you’re good at—writing, problem-solving, helping people, building things).

Learn about careers connected to your interests

Research jobs and find out what they do on a daily basis, education or training required, salary, work environment, and industry trends.

Get Support

Talk to adults you know about their jobs (what do you like/dislike?, how did you get started?, what skills matter the most?). Meet with a school counselor, or find a mentor.

Explore through experience

Join clubs related to your interests. Take electives,  career-focused classes or certifications; volunteer, job-shadow, apply to internships or summer jobs.

For careers that spark your interest pick a few and explore deeper, keep a career journal or notes doc. Remember that interests change and that is normal, update your goals as you learn more, every experience can teach you different sets of skills (even if its not related to the career path you are interested in the future).

Career Exploration Sites

Do not worry about finding the "perfect" career, instead focus on finding a path that feels right and interesting to you. Here are some popular career exploration sites you can use:

Big Future

Choose one of your interests to get some ideas about possible college majors. What do you like to do? What makes you curious and excited to learn more? 

California Career Center

Explore a variety of career paths to consider, get a better sense of who you are, where you're going, and how to get there.

California Career Resource Network

Career development information and resources to support development of the critical career self-management skills necessary for success in today's world of work.

California Career Zone

Assess yourself, explore industry sectors and make money choices.

California Employment Development Department

Use this website to assess the demand for particular jobs in specific areas.

My Next Move

Search careers with key words, and browse careers by industry. Answer questions about the type of work you might enjoy and they will suggest careers that match your interests and training. Also available in Spanish here.

O'Net

Browse groups of similar occupations to explore careers. Choose from industry, field of work, science area, and more. Note: O'Net is the owner of My Next Move.

Roadtrip Nation

Career exploration that starts with your interests. Whether you're exploring new career paths or looking for inspiration, find the guidance you need from the stories of others.

Team Technology

Take the MMDI Personality Test to help you find a career that you will enjoy!

The Sokanu Career Test

Made up of several parts, each specializing on a different aspect of your personality, interests, history, or aspirations. 

1, 2, 3, Test

Finding a career that fits your personality.

© 2026 by The Pathways Quest. Education illustrations by Storyset.

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