Transfer Information

There are many activities you can do to start the process of career exploration. Questions you should begin to consider are:

• What do I like to do?
• What classes do I do well in?
• How long am I willing to go to school?
• What are my job-related values?
• What are my strengths?

Lee College has skilled counselors who can help you select a career and create an action plan to reach your goal. Contact the Counseling Center for more information.

There are many resources to find salary information. One such resource is Career Cruising. Another excellent resource is a book called Occupational Outlook Handbook. It is updated every year so it is important to seek the current year's volume. Any public library will have it in its collection. There are other books/materials available in the Career & Transfer Center.

Most career counselors are very cautious when asked this question. While it is important to consider job outlook (job market), this should not be the only factor considered when selecting a career. "Hot" jobs are located in several career areas including health care and technology. Also, teaching has been an excellent career for many because of a teacher shortage experienced nationally.

It is difficult to narrow down career choices. Often, students will find it helpful to enlist a friend, teacher, spouse, parent, or counselor to discuss options. It is very important to have reliable factual data when weighing career options. Consider the following:

• How much education is required to enter the career?
• How much money am I likely to make?
• Can I see myself doing this job for several years?
• Will my needs and values be met?
• Can I advance in the field or in a related area?
• Can I do the job?

It may be helpful to list the answers to these questions on a piece of paper in columns so you can compare and contrast the results. Counselors are an excellent resource for discussing and evaluating options.

A career test will not tell you what to do. Tests should be used as tools to assist your career search. There are a variety of tests available to assist you in career exploration. Interest inventories, ability tests and personality tests are among the most common assessments available. Career Cruising is available to students and the community, at no cost, in the Career & Transfer Center.

Decision-making is a process. If you have your career options narrowed to two choices, the best way to choose is likely to be weighing them against each other. In other words, make a list of characteristics for comparing and contrasting against each other.