Career & College Exploration

College Exploration Tools

California Colleges: www.californiacolleges.edu - sign in with HBUHSD Gmail to access your account with free resources
Big Future (Collegeboard): www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org
Niche: www.niche.com/colleges
College Navigator - college data and statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
CollegeXpress - various college lists: www.collegexpress.com/lists
UC/CSU Major Explorer - explore majors at CSU and UC campuses: www.transferbound.com
Majors - take a short assessment on majors: www.mymajors.com
Program Finder - explore career education programs at CA community colleges: https://programfinder.com/
Western Undergraduate Exchange - out-of state public schools with discounted tuition: www.wiche.edu/wue
NCAA - search NCAA member colleges: www.ncaa.org/sports/2021/5/3/membership-directory.aspx
Assist - explore community college programs for transfer: www.assist.org
Fair Test - list of test-optional colleges/universities: www.fairtest.org
Art Schools: www.allartschools.com
College to Career Pathways: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/625fce791e.html

Career Exploration

The career exploration process involves learning more about yourself, researching your options, trying new experiences, and creating a strategic plan to reach your professional goals. Whether you are deciding on a major or determining your career options, the College & Career Center is here to help you every step of the way. Use the following steps to guide your exploration.

Step 1: Engage in Self-Assessment

Begin your process of self-discovery by reflecting on the following questions:

What are my interests and what do I enjoy learning about?
What do I like to do and what skills would I like to develop?
What are my talents and strengths?
What are my values?

Consider taking career assessments to clarify your interests, personality, skills and values. Below are a few helpful tools to get you started!

Career Zone

Big Future Career Search

O*Net Interest Profiler

California Colleges Career Search

Step 2: Evaluate Majors and Careers

After conducting self-assessments, explore possible careers and majors that align with your results:

"What Can I Do with a Major In..."

Step 3: Research Careers

Gather information about occupations, industries, and companies to assess your options:

O*NET Online: Provides comprehensive information on industries and specific occupations.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: Features profiles for various occupations compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Glassdoor: Contains company information and employee reviews.
Reach out to professionals in your field of interest and request to job shadow or conduct an informational interview.

Step 4: Gain Experience

Join a student or professional club related to your area of interest.
Get involved in activities that complement your curriculum, including volunteer work, leadership positions, and research opportunities.
Build career-related experience by getting a part-time job with student employment or an internship.
Participate in Events and Programs that provide opportunities to gain insight from professionals in your field of interest.

HBUHSD has partnered with Choices Explorer to help students learn about college and career options. Students may check out bridges.com and create an account. Please sign in through the "Site Id" section (second tab) to access the FVHS account. Below is the username and password.
Site ID: 0010464

Password: fvhs