Occupational Characteristics

One step in the process of career exploration is to connect the information about you - your interests your values, your skills, your preferences - to the information about careers , such as work conditions, job duties and responsibilities, work environments, industry areas and more.

Often specific characteristics of occupations may enhance or limit their desirability. For instance, if you prefer working in a city, at night, and indoors, then perhaps a career in hotel management or entertainment is a possibility. If, however, you prefer working outside, traveling, and working with tools, a career as an accountant, psychology professor, or executive secretary may not be as appealing.

Remember, as you explore career options, that what you are good at and what you like to do are two separate things. This can mean that even if you excel at your science courses, you still might enjoy teaching kindergarten more than working in a laboratory.