What Will I Become?

What Will I Become?
An Internet Hotlist on Career Day 2007

created by J. Siminitus & Laurie Tezak
Aragon High School

Introduction
Careers evolve. Once in the workforce, your job might grow in one direction, or you'll move to another position or company. Over time, you will probably end up in a job or career much different than imagined when first starting out. As you review career descriptions and talk with guest speakers, parents, and others in the community, ask them about their career path -- how their career evolved.

Aragon High School Career Center counselor Ms. Tezak has an excellent collection of books, magazines, and databases for students to search and discuss. Here are some additional websites to help you explore careers and determine which speakers to meet at Career Day.

Recommended first step: Check out California CareerZone.

The Internet Resources

Career Guides and Resources

California CareerZone - California CareerZone is an interactive career exploration and planning web site designed especially for students. Users are prompted to complete one of three self-assessment exercises. The site will then produce a list of potential jobs from a database of 900 occupations with information on wages, worker attributes, job characteristics, and links to 300 videos that give users a snapshot of the featured occupation. There are also links to actual job openings. California CareerZone also provides users a budgeting Reality Check option that will help them assess how much education they need to get a good job, and how much money they will need to earn to live well. See http://www.cacareerzone.org/index.html
JobStar Career Guide - Check out JobStar's Career Finder for free information on the fastest growing careers. Take free Career test to find out what career is right for you. See http://jobstar.org/index.php
Occupational Outlook Handbook - Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor publishes this online and print resource. In it are profiles for 250 different occupations: nature of work, working conditions, employment, training, job outlook and earnings. 'Sources of Additional Information' lists associations and, sometimes, publications for each occupation. See http://stats.bls.gov/oco/
Peninsula Library System - search 'careers' - See what resources are available in local public libraries by searching the library collections online at http://plsinfo.org/ Search terms 'careers' and 'career paths' yield a variety of books and other resources.
What Will I Become? - This hotlist is available online at http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listcareerdj.html

Arts and Humanities

Fashion Designers - According to the U.S. Labor Department, in 2004, 2/3 of salaried fashion designers were employed in either New York or California. Employers seek designers with a 2- or 4-year degree who are knowledgeable about textiles, fabrics, ornamentation, and fashion trends. Job competition is expected to be keen because many designers are attracted to the creativity and glamour associated with the occupation, while relatively few job openings arise. More than 25% are self-employed. See http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos291.htm

Business - Professional & Business Services, Trade/Transport/Utilities

Lawyers (also known as attorneys) - There is not just one type of lawyer. There are many specializations. Formal requirements to become a lawyer generally include a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar examination See http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm
Start Here. Go Places - business career site - If you're a high school or college student interested in a successful career in business and accounting, This web site is a free resource that can help you get there. You may be unsure of the path you want to take, and where to find resources to help you determine your career choices. Learn about all that the study of accounting and the pursuit of CPA certification has to offer — it's a path to achieving a successful, rewarding and challenging career. The site includes study information, simulation games, scholarship and internship listings, profiles of successful CPAs and career opportunities. It is sponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. See StartHere.GoPlaces.com

Public Sector - Education, Government & City Services

Credentialed Teachers -- Teach California - Want to be a teacher? Decide if teaching is right for you. California has a teacher shortage, and special education teachers, science teachers, and math teachers are in most demand. The TEACH CALIFORNIA website addresses many of your questions about what it takes to become a teacher in California. See http://www.teachcalifornia.org/
Librarians and Information Specialist - Forget the stereotypes, leave the 'Sssh-ing' behind and get an insight into what librarians really do. Find out what types of libraries and other unique places librarians work in, as well as info on jobs & salaries. See http://www.library.ucsb.edu/lauc/libprof.html

Sciences/Medicine and Technology/Engineering

Engineers - Here's an overview of the various engineering specialities. A bachelor’s degree is required for most entry-level jobs. Starting salaries are significantly higher than those of college graduates in other fields. Continuing education is critical for engineers wishing to enhance their value to employers as technology evolves. See http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm
HER STORY: NOW (Science and technology careers for women) - Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. On the air. The website asks: 'Want to learn what today's women pioneers in science and technology are doing to encourage the next generation? HER-STORY: NOW explores award-winning programs that encourage and assist young women in pursuing education and careers in science, technology and engineering. See http://www.womeninscience.org/now.htm

Content by J. Siminitus & Laurie Tezak, js8295@att.com
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listcareerdj.html
Last revised Fri Apr 4 10:39:21 US/Pacific 2008