Paso Robles High School

Identify Your Interests
Begin by reflecting on what you genuinely enjoy doing. Consider the activities or subjects that captivate your attention and bring you satisfaction. Ask yourself:

• What hobbies or activities do I lose track of time doing?
• Which topics do I find myself reading about or discussing frequently?

Evaluate Your Skills
Identify your strengths and the skills you possess. These could be soft skills like communication and teamwork, or hard skills such as technical proficiency and analytical abilities. Consider:

• What tasks do I excel at?
• Which skills have I developed through education or work experience?

Define Your Values
Understanding your core values is crucial in finding a fulfilling career. Think about what you prioritize in a job, such as work-life balance, job security, or making a difference. Reflect on:

• What aspects of work are most important to me?
• How do my values align with potential career choices?

Explore Various Fields
Once you have a clearer understanding of yourself, explore different industries and roles. Use resources like:

• Online Databases: Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook provide detailed information about various careers.
• Career Assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Strong Interest Inventory can offer insights into suitable career paths.

Conduct Informational Interviews
Reach out to professionals already working in fields of interest. Conducting informational interviews can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of different careers. Consider asking them:

• What does a typical day look like in your role?
• What do you enjoy most and least about your job?

Internships and Volunteering
Internships and volunteer work offer hands-on experience and a chance to test the waters in a specific field. They can help you build a network and gain practical insights into a potential career.

Job Shadowing
Job shadowing allows you to observe professionals in their work environment, providing a realistic perspective on various roles. This can help you decide if a career is a good fit for you.

• After gathering information and experience, compare different career options. Weigh the pros and cons of each path, considering factors like job growth, salary expectations, and personal fulfillment.
• Once you've chosen a career path, set short-term and long-term goals. Develop a plan that outlines the steps necessary to achieve these goals, such as further education, certifications, or skill development.

Remember that career exploration is an ongoing process. As you grow and evolve, your interests and values might change. Be open to exploring new opportunities and making adjustments to your career path as needed.

Don't really know yet what you want? That's ok! On the bottom of this page you find different Career Exploration Tools for your convience, to help you choose your path forward.

On the left side panel of this page you find more information about Cuesta's Career Technical Education, Skilled Trades and Technology areas of study, Certificated Training Programs as well as online training programs. 
You also find information about local Partners and Trade Unions that help you to learn skills that lead to a great career.