IST 605: College & Career Readiness

O*NET Online is a career exploration tool provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. It lets students research hundreds of occupations, including required skills, tasks, education, and salary information. Students can explore career clusters, job outlooks, and even take assessments to see which careers match their interests and abilities. With reliable, up-to-date information, O*NET helps students make informed decisions about college, trades, or entering the workforce.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a reliable resource for learning about hundreds of careers. It includes information on job duties, education and training requirements, salary, and expected job growth. Students can explore different industries, compare careers, and discover what skills and education are needed for each path. The OOH helps students make informed decisions about college, trade programs, or entering the workforce.

CareerOneStop is a career exploration and job-search website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Students can research careers, explore required skills, and learn about education and training pathways. The site also provides tools for finding internships, apprenticeships, and local job opportunities. CareerOneStop is a practical resource for students planning their next steps after high school, whether that’s college, a trade, or entering the workforce.

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) is a professional organization that provides resources and guidance for career planning and development. Students can find tools, articles, and tips to explore careers, develop skills, and set goals for the future. The NCDA also offers information for parents and educators to support students in making informed decisions about college, trades, or the workforce. It’s a trusted resource for anyone looking to learn more about career pathways and plan a successful next step after high school.

This article studies how concentrating in Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs affects high school students’ success. Students who focused on CTE courses tended to have higher grades, better attendance, and were more likely to graduate on time compared with peers who didn’t take CTE courses. The research shows that career-focused programs can help students build skills for both college and the workforce, while still succeeding academically. This makes CTE a great option for students exploring career pathways, trade programs, or hands-on learning opportunities.