Explore Options

Explore options

After you have spent some time getting to know yourself, it is time to begin exploring options that might be a good fit with your skills, interests, values, and work style. Use the resources on this page to learn about occupations, labor market, and training options.

Exploring careers

Occupation research

Resources for learning more about career fields that interest you.

O*Net Online Includes tools to search for careers based on your skills, interests, work styles and more.

Occupational Outlook Handbook Learn about careers of interest to you.

Informational interviews Talking with people doing the work that interests you is one of the best ways to gain information about a new field or a new sector within your current field. Informational interviews can also be useful if you are relocating to a new geographical area and want to get the lay of the land within your field.

Professional organizations A great way to learn about a new industry or career field. Many organizations include preparation, training, and education information on their websites.

Labor market information

The labor market is an important factor when you are considering a new career. Here are questions to ask as you explore careers:

  • What industries and occupations are growing in my area?
  • What are the job openings in my area?
  • What are the hot jobs?

How to use labor market information to explore careers From The Balance Careers

Employment projections Information on the national labor market from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Wisconsin labor market information Wisconsin economic and labor market information

Industry Tools Recent data on industries regionally and nationally.

State-by-state projections  Links to employment projections for U.S. states, territories, and District of Columbia

Training

As you explore various career options keep in mind what, if any, additional training you might need.

Find Training Learn about options for short-term training, professional development, college, apprenticeships, certificates and more.

Employment and Training Programs Find information about employment and training programs funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and whether you might qualify for them.

Peterson’s Search engine for finding education programs

Distance education accrediting commission (DEAC) Explore options for accredited distance education.

UW–Madison options Education opportunities at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Hopefully exploring occupations and training has helped you narrow down your options. Now it is time to Get focused.