What Do You Like? 
Look At These Possible Careers If You Love...
World of Work
Choosing a career is a big decision, but you don't have to sweat it—planning for your future is not something you do once. It's a continuous process. One way to start is by exploring your career options in the "World of Work." Sign up for a student account www.actstudent.org/wwm/index.html and use the interactive World-of-Work Map.
Career Planning Tips
Career planning has three steps that you will cycle through and repeat throughout your working life. By following these steps, you can make career decisions that are right for you. You'll know what your options are and what it will take to reach your goals.
First, take a realistic look at your strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
Consider:
- What do you think about yourself?
- What can help you achieve your goals, and what obstacles could get in your way?
- What types of work and school courses and activities appeal to you? What interests you?
- What do you do well now, and what skills have you gained through experience?
- What values do you have regarding work?
Second, explore your options.
It's hard to know what you want to do "when you grow up" if you aren't even aware of the possibilities. Here are a just a few ways to find career information:
- If you are in school, see your counselor and talk to your parents.
- Use ACT's DISCOVER program to explore possible careers.
- Spend time with people whose activities interest you.
- Volunteer or work in a job that interests you.
- Discuss your career and educational plans with your parents, counselor, or other interested people.
Finally, consider issues that can affect your plans.
Take appropriate actions to accomplish your goals. Consider:
- What do you need to study?
- What schools offer the training you need?
- How will you pay for school?
- Are you ready to search for a job?
- How will you balance your work and going to school?
- How will you manage family or relationship commitments?
Work and Learn through an Apprenticeship
If you like to work with your hands and your mind, you might want to consider an apprenticeship after high school. More than 850 occupations can be learned on the job through an apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship prepares you for a career through a structured program of on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, while you work and earn a salary. The programs can last from one to six years and you can choose careers in areas such as telecommunications, health care, computing, business support and the arts. The most common apprenticeships are in construction and manufacturing.
Most apprenticeships are registered through the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring the program meets government standards for fairness, safety and training. If you complete a registered program, you will receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor which proves your qualifications for the career. Also, classroom instruction often can be used to earn a license, certification or degree.
Following are the top 10 occupations offering apprenticeships that expect to have the most job openings for new workers (2000-2010):
- cook, restaurant and cafeteria
- automotive service technician, mechanic
- licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse
- carpenter
- police officer
- electrician
- hairdresser, cosmetologist
- maintenance and repair worker
- welder, cutter, solderer and brazer
- plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter
For more information on apprenticeships, call America's Workforce Network toll-free at (877) US2-JOBS. (872-5672) Operators can help you find career counselors and apprenticeship programs in your area.
Alabama Apprenticeships Development Link
Alabama State Office of Apprenticeships:
State Director - Gregory Collins
Medical Forum Bldg. - Room 648
950 22nd Street North
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
205/731-1308
Regional Office of Apprenticeships For Alabama:
Mr. Garfield G. Garner, Jr
Regional Director
USDOL/ETA/OA
61 Forsyth Street, S.W., Rm. 6T71
Atlanta, GA 30303
Telephone: 404/302-5478
FAX: 404/302-5479
Internet E-Mail: Garner.Garfield@dol.gov
Resources
Cool Careers Without College Book Series - College isn't for everyone, and students should know that there are many interesting careers available that do not require a college degree. Every book in this series features approximately twelve different, enticing jobs within a particular field of interest.
The Uncollege Alternative - Want to think out of the box? Want to change your perspective on your future? Feeling ambivalent about going to college and going into debt? Then join the world of alternative thinking, risk-taking, adventure seeking, and change. Join the Uncollege revolution and learn that you can create a profitable, exciting, creative, and amazingly successful future without a college degree. The Uncollege Alternative
Mycoolcareer.com - Terrific comprehensive career site that provides advice on choosing careers and majors, interviews with people in some of the most interesting careers around, links to great career and planning resources, and more!
Mapping-your-future.org - Good college and career information.
CareerKey.org - Free career interest/ability assessment!
www.studentdoctor.net/guide - Tips for students who are interested in medical careers
| 
