With high school and college graduation season in full swing, there’s a big focus on what students will be doing NEXT. Whether they are entering high school, college, or the workforce, it’s never too early for students to focus on career exploration and goals.
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, Division of Academic and Technical Education:
“Today, most good jobs—or those that provide a living wage—require some form of career-connected postsecondary education and training. This demand will only continue to grow, with 70% of jobs requiring education or training beyond high school by 2027.” https://cte.ed.gov/unlocking-career-success/about.html
This highlights the importance of students not only having clear education and career goals, but also the knowledge and skills needed to pursue them. CareerScope helps students of any age choose a path to a career that best fits them – both what they enjoy doing and what they have the ability to learn. By blending interests and aptitudes, we help individuals explore new, relevant, and exciting career options in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations.
Keep in mind that career exploration isn’t confined to high school graduates or recent college grads. It’s a continuous process that can be embarked upon at any age or stage of life. Here are some key points for individuals at each educational stage.
For younger students:
Career Development Portfolios
It’s never too early to start the career exploration process! With scoring norms from 8th grade to adult, CareerScope is a great first step to discovering potential paths to future careers.
For secondary students:
Career and Technical Education
For students who are on a school-to-work path, CareerScope facilitates placement into job shadowing, work-based learning, and apprenticeships.
Transition Planning, IEP, and Special Education
CareerScope’s individualized results support IEP development as well as post-secondary transition planning in Special Education.
For college students:
College Advising / Career Services
CareerScope results are valuable for First-Year Experience programs, major/minor selection, and placement in cooperative employment and internships, resulting in improved retention and graduation rates, and optimal career outcomes.
For college graduates entering the workforce:
Job-Seeker Training and Placement
Whether they are entering the workforce or changing careers, job-seekers can set a path for work success with CareerScope recommendations that align with today’s high growth and high replacement occupations.
Whether you’re in the midst of your career and seeking change, returning to the workforce after a break, or simply curious about the vast array of opportunities out there, career exploration offers a pathway to personal growth and fulfillment. At CareerScope, we expand the career options of all through our assessments, community, and partnerships.
Additional Resources & Related Content
- Rethinking CTE to Meet Today’s Labor Market | February Webinar
- Washington Business Journal Highlights CareerScope
About CareerScope
Since 1963, Vocational Research Institute has been developing solutions that enhance career and educational planning, improve employability, and result in better opportunities and more positive outcomes for individuals. CareerScope was developed and released in 1996 based on decades of occupational research and insights. Our assessment plays a central role in the success of our partners and their clients, which is why we rebranded VRI to CareerScope. Our mission is to enable our partners to help their clients “discover their path.”
