Career Clusters and Pathways

Making a decision about your future career can be challenging . Your middle and high school years are an important part your decision making process. The choices you make, like what classes you register for, can affect the career opportunities you have in the future. Registering for a certain subject can open a door to a career opportunity and choosing not to register for a class in a subject can close a door.

Exploring Careers

Start to explore careers early. Take time to find out what you like or dislike about different careers. The path you choose in middle and high school may not be what you want to do for the rest of your life. It is ok to change your mind, but by starting early, you will have the chance to learn from experience and choose what careers best suite you.

Explore the 16 career clusters and their various pathways to see what careers maybe of interest to you. Discover how Hawkeye can help you reach your career goals.

I Have a Plan Iowa

Create an online profile that will grow with you through middle school, high school, and even college at ihaveaplaniowa.gov.

• Consider your goals for the future.
• Plan your high school courses to match those goals.
• Explore additional careers.
• Start your college preparation so that you are ready when the time comes.

Parents

Be engaged in your son or daughter's college and career decisions. Making these decisions can be a difficult one for them.

• Try to encourage your son or daughter in every way possible.

• Tell them about the work that you do and urge them to ask other adults about their jobs so they can get a broader understanding of the variety of options available.

• Make sure your student understands how important their school work is, as it may affect future job opportunities and decisions.

• Help your son or daughter highlight their strengths and talents and support them during their search for a future career that is rewarding for them.