After self-assessment, career exploration is the next important step in the career planning process. Career exploration is important because learning about different types of jobs, educational requirements, and basic job functions will help you to identify occupations that appeal to you. It will help you narrow down your options and map out your career goals. Career exploration should be ongoing since new career pathways are constantly immerging, traditional occupations are changing and required skills are shifting.
Career Exploration Workshops
Workshops are open to potential and current students who are undecided about their career path. The career exploration workshop is a free, two-hour group session facilitated by a Career Counselor. For the next available workshop date and time, please call 1-800-247-7122 or stop in to any campus Student Services Center.
Occupation Information
Focus 2 Career Planning Tool – guides users through a career and education decision making model to help them explore occupations, choose a program, make informed career decisions and take action in their career development.
O*NET OnLine – has detailed descriptions of the world of work for use by job seekers, students, researchers, and more! Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, and developed by the National Center for O*NET Development.
Occupational Outlook Handbook – is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide the majority of jobs in the United States From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.
CareerOneStop – is the flagship career, training, and job search website for the U.S. Department of Labor. The website serves job seekers and students with a variety of free online tools, information and resources. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
My Next Move or My Next Move for Veterans – is an interactive tool for job seekers, students and veterans to learn more about their career options. Developed by the National Center for O*NET Development, under the sponsorship of the US Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration.
Wisconsin Health Careers - offers information about a wide variety of healthcare jobs and where you can go to school in and around Wisconsin.
Other Resources - Salary Information: Salary.com; Career Advice: TheBalanceCareers.com, TheMuse.com; Employer Reviews: Glassdoor.com
Career Pathway Information
Explore Programs - Gateway Technical College offers more than 70 associate degree and technical diploma programs, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your goals and interests.
Career Pathways – are designed to help you reach your educational goals and explore college and career options. The pathways are made up of related certificates, diplomas and degrees that build on common skills and knowledge.
Transfer Information – start your career education at Gateway and transfer to a four-year college.
Credit Transfer Tool – the Transfer Information System is administered by UW System Administration in cooperation with the Wisconsin Technical College System.