For high school & college students

Career and College Planning for Students

Figure out what you want to do, choose between college, trade school and apprenticeships, and map out the steps, with free quizzes, guides and real pay data.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team

Choosing a career at 16, 18 or 20 can feel impossible, mostly because nobody shows you what jobs actually look like day to day. That’s what this hub is for. Start with your interests, look at real careers in detail, and then pick the education path that gets you there with the least debt and wasted time.

You don’t have to get it perfect. Most people change jobs many times. The goal is a smart first step: one that teaches you useful skills, keeps options open and moves you toward work you like.

Start here: 4 steps

  1. Discover your interests

    Take the free Career Match Quiz to see which kinds of work fit you.

  2. Explore real careers

    Read a day in the life, pay and training time for your top matches.

  3. Choose your path

    Compare college, community college, trade school and apprenticeships.

  4. Make a plan

    Use the high school roadmap and paying-for-training guide.

Guides for you

How to Choose a Career: A 7-Step Guide

A practical 7-step process to choose a career that fits your interests, strengths, values and budget, with free tools, real pay data and ways to test ideas before you commit.

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College vs. Trade School: How to Decide

Compare four-year college, community college, trade school and apprenticeships on cost, time, pay and career options, and use a simple framework to decide which path fits you.

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Gap Year Guide: How to Make a Year Off Count

How to plan a productive gap year after high school (working, earning credentials, exploring careers and saving money) and how to stay on track to return to school or start a career.

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Your First Job: How to Find It and Succeed

How to land your first job with no experience (where to look, what to put on a first resume, how to interview) and the habits that make you stand out once you’re hired.

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Transferable Skills: How to Find and Sell Yours

What transferable skills are, a list of the most valuable ones, how to identify yours from any job and how to describe them on a resume and in interviews when changing careers.

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How to Write a Resume That Gets Interviews

Step-by-step resume guide: the best format, what to include in each section, how to write results-focused bullet points, beat applicant tracking systems and avoid common mistakes.

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How to Write a Cover Letter (With Template)

How to write a short, specific cover letter that gets read: structure, what to say in each paragraph, a fill-in template and tips for career changers and entry-level applicants.

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How to Negotiate Salary (Scripts Included)

How to negotiate a job offer: research your market value with BLS data, choose your number, use simple scripts, negotiate benefits beyond pay and know when to accept.

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Job Search Strategy: How to Find a Job Faster

A practical job search strategy: target the right roles, use networking and referrals, apply efficiently, track applications and follow up so you get more interviews in less time.

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How to Get a Job With No Experience

How to get hired with no experience: target entry-level and trainee roles, use transferable skills, earn fast credentials, build experience through volunteering and nail the interview.

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Certifications vs. Degrees: Which Is Worth It?

When a professional certification beats a degree (and vice versa): cost, time, career impact, how employers view each and how to pick credentials that actually raise your pay.

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Workplace Safety Basics Every Worker Should Know

Your rights to a safe workplace under OSHA, common hazards by industry, PPE basics, how to report hazards and the safety training (such as OSHA 10 and 30) that helps you get hired.

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Networking for People Who Hate Networking

A low-pressure networking guide: where to meet people, what to say, how to follow up and how introverts can build a strong professional network without feeling fake.

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Quizzes

Career lists worth a look

Free printable worksheets

Explore careers by field

Healthcare

Skilled Trades & Construction

Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing

Safety & Environmental

Transportation & Logistics

Business & Office

Technology

Public Safety & Security

Energy & Utilities

Science, Engineering & Lab

Sales & Retail

Hospitality, Food & Tourism

Arts, Media & Design

Education & Childcare

Community, Social & Government Services

Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care

Agriculture, Landscaping & Animal Care

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose a career if I have no idea what I want?

Start with what you enjoy and what you’re good at, then test ideas cheaply: take an interest quiz, read day-in-the-life profiles, talk to people in the job and try a short course or job shadow. Narrow to two or three options before committing to expensive education.

Is college worth it?

For careers that require a degree (like registered nursing, accounting or engineering) usually yes. For many well-paid skilled trades and technical roles, a certificate or paid apprenticeship can be faster and cheaper. Compare total cost, time and expected pay for the specific career you want.

What can I do in high school to prepare for a career?

Take classes connected to your interests, join career and technical education (CTE) programs, get a part-time job or volunteer role, earn entry credentials like CPR or OSHA 10 where relevant, and job-shadow people in fields you’re considering.

Can I start a good career without college?

Yes. Many careers in our directory need a high school diploma plus a certificate, license or apprenticeship and still pay well. See our list of the highest-paying jobs without a four-year degree.