Career Exploration
It's okay not to know — here's how to figure it out
Most adults aren't doing what they thought they'd be doing at 16. That's normal. Career paths twist and change. What matters right now is exploring what energizes you, what you're good at, and what problems you want to spend your life solving.
Practical next steps
Take a free career interest assessment
The O*NET Interest Profiler (mynextmove.org) is a free 60-question assessment that maps your interests to careers. Take it without overthinking.
Research careers that match
For each interesting career, look up: average salary in Philadelphia, job outlook (growing or shrinking?), education required, and what a typical day looks like.
Have an informational interview
A 20-minute conversation with someone in a career you're curious about. Most professionals are happy to talk. Reach out on LinkedIn.
Try job shadows and volunteer roles
Seeing a workplace from the inside for even one day changes everything. Ask your counselor about job shadow programs.
Explore Philadelphia CTE programs
The School District's CTE programs offer hands-on training in healthcare, technology, culinary arts, and more while you're still in high school.
Use youth workforce programs for career exposure
Philadelphia Youth Network's internship programs, PowerCorps PHL, and the Mayor's Youth Employment program all provide paid work experiences.
Notice what you do for fun that impresses others
The intersection of what you love and what others value is often where careers live.
Accept that the plan will change
Most people change careers 2–3 times in their lives. Starting with genuine curiosity and real skills is more valuable than picking the 'right' career at 17.
Resource starting points
- O*NET Interest Profiler
Best free career interest assessment — takes about 15 minutes.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Official data on career paths, salaries, and job outlooks.
Organizations featured in this guide
- PA CareerLink Philadelphia
Free career counseling, interest assessments, and career exploration resources for job seekers of all ages.
- Philadelphia Youth Network
Paid internships, career exposure programs, and workforce development specifically for Philadelphia youth.
- Mayor's Youth Employment Program
Paid summer and year-round jobs for Philadelphia youth — real work experience in diverse fields.
- PowerCorps PHL
Paid environmental corps workforce training program with career pathway development for young adults.
Helpful things to know
Ask real people, not just the internet
Real professionals can tell you what the job is actually like at 9 PM on a Tuesday. That's worth more than any salary page.
Common questions
What if I have no idea what I want to do?
Start by noticing what problems you care about and what activities you lose track of time doing. Take the O*NET assessment and see what comes up.