Career Awareness & Decision Making

Job Description/Duties – What does the job entail? What responsibilities would you have? Which responsibilities would you like or dislike?

Personal Characteristics and Skills Needed – What important personal characteristics do you think would be needed to be happy and successful in this occupation? Why does this career fit your personality? What personal values does this career provide that are important to you? (Examples: security, having fun, status, helping others, challenging…) What are some important skills your career requires?

Education Needed – What are the educational requirements of the job? What specific high school classes and activities would be most helpful in preparing for this career? What type of education or training would you need after high school? What schools offer this sort of training? How long is the course of study for this career? What is the potential total cost of training for this career?

Work Setting – How many hours would you generally work? What would your work environment be? Would you travel? Would your job be stressful? What would you like or dislike about the work setting?

Wages and Benefits – Entry wages: How much would a worker in this occupation generally start at? What is the range of wages that an experienced worker can earn? Will the worker receive insurance, sick leave, paid vacation? Will this occupation provide enough income for you to live as you plan? Does education make a difference in salary?

Employment Outlook - What is the occupational outlook for this career? Will I be able to pay back expenses for required education?

Personal Assessment - Explain why you think this occupation would be right for you. How does it fit your personality, interests, values, educational plans?