OFFICE OF CAREER SERVICES

PATRIOTS TO PROFESSIONALS

Career and Occupational Exploration

There are many ways to identify occupations that fit your personal profile: reading about them, researching them on the Internet, using self-assessment instruments, talking with professionals in the field, and attending company presentations on campus. To make sure you have the most accurate picture of a career and/or occupation, it's best to use multiple methods to gather information.

These web sites present different strategies that you can use to gather information about occupational fields in order to make informed decisions.

• Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook  - A searchable guide that describes what workers do on the job, the working conditions, the training and education needed, salaries, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations.
• Department of Labor Career Guide to Industries  - Provides information on available careers by industry, including the nature of the industry, working conditions, employment, occupations in the industry, training and advancement, earnings and benefits, employment outlook, and lists of organizations that can provide additional information.
• Labor Market and Career Information (LMCI) is a unit of the Texas Workforce Commission within the External Relations Division. Our mission is to improve the way Texans make career and educational decisions by providing useful and reliable information about careers, educational training options and jobs.
• Job Titled - is a website where you can explore job titles, their job descriptions and the career path.
• O*NET system serves as the nation's primary source of occupational information, providing comprehensive information on key attributes and characteristics of workers and occupations.
• Reality Check - An online tool to assist you in finding how much money you will need and which career will pay for all of your needs.
• Texas OSCAR (the Occupation and Skill Computer-Assisted Researcher)  - An online assessment tools to assist in identifying career paths and options.
• WetFeet  Provides information on specific companies, careers, newsletters, career and company comparison charts, salary benchmarking tools and numerous career discussion boards.
• What Can I Do With A Major In...? - A website that helps students connect majors with careers. An outline of common career areas, typical employers, and strategies designed to maximize career opportunities is provided for each major.

• Additonal articles on Career/Occupational Exploration can be found in the Career Resource Library.