Choosing a career can be one of the most difficult, complex, and confusing decisions that the average person is faced with during their lives. As a small child, we are often bombarded with the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Rarely do our childhood dreams stay a reality or a desire as we grow older. The same question will arise again as we reach the age of a high school senior with graduation in sight. It can be nearly impossible for a young child, high school senior, or even an adult to know what they want to do as a career for the rest of their lives.

Fear not if you are unsure of what your calling may be. Did you know that about 80 percent of college students will switch majors once during their college years? On average, most students even switch their major three times or more over the course of their college career. Many adults even go through career changes several times before retirement. In the process of growing up, most people experience varying interests and goals. It is only natural that one's desired career path in life will also go through transformations. Look to the following guide and self-assessment tests to identify your skills and interests while browsing through several career fields. You might just decide what job is best for you. And remember, it doesn't have to be forever!

Agriculture

• National FFA organization: Real-life training for a variety of careers in the agriculture industry.

• US Environmental Protection Agency: Provides resources on different aspects of the agriculture industry.

Architecture

• The American Institute of Architects: Valuable information about education in the field of architecture.

• US Green Building Council: Learn about educational resources available in the field of sustainable architecture.

Arts and Letters

• National Society of Arts and Letters Explore your talents in creative careers, such as the arts and writing.

• The Centre for Arts Education: Resources to help students learn more about careers available in art education.

Biological Sciences

•  The American Institute of Biological Sciences: Promoting understanding of the natural world..

• UMBC: Explore the various fields in biology and the career possibilities available in the field.

Business

• The Business Professionals of America: Tips for jobs, internships and gaining experience.

• Business and Professional Women Foundation: Navigating the workplace and career advancement.

Computer Science

• Association for Computing Machinery: Researching different career paths in the computer industry is key to finding the career that fits you best.

• CISE: Computer and Information Science and Engineering, including career opportunities.

Education

• US Department of Education: There are numerous accredited programs all over the United States that can cater to the interests of a variety of different students. Which program are you interested in?

• Destination Teaching: Advice on how to choose the right career for you. With so many different careers available, it can be tough to pick only one.

Engineering

• Engineering options Aerospace, agriculture, marine, logistics, biomedical, chemical, materials, civil, or mining engineering resources to educate the students of today.

• National Society of Professional Engineers: Resources for students who would like to become engineers.

Environment

• The Nature Conservancy: Preserving diversity in over 30 countries. Consider a career in the industry of conservation.

• Water Environment Federation: Technical education and training to water quality professionals.

Government

• Working for the government: Consider applying for a position in a variety of different areas within the state and federal government systems.

• Student Jobs: Apprenticeships, internships, and scholarships are just a click away, plug in the information that interests you and start looking for great position in the field of your choice.

Health

• American Academy of Family Physicians: Explore career options and requirements associated with the medical community.

• Explore Health Careers: information and planning in many careers within the medical community. 

Industry, Trades & Services

• Apprenticeship opportunities: Try out an apprenticeship to get an inside look into the field of your choice, hands on experience in valuable when choosing a career path.

• California Department of Industrial Relations: Steps to gaining an apprenticeship.

International

• Defense: The armed forces provides various career opportunities and might be a good fit for students that prefer a more hands on and active learning experience.

• Aid: development studies, University of Toronto Scarborough. Consider a career in the field of International Development studies an and check out the careers that are associated with International Development education.

Law

• FBI: Information on career paths for special agents and professional staff.

• American Bar Association: Legal education and student resources about careers in the legal industry..

Media

• American Public Media: Career opportunities in public radio programming.

Physical Sciences & Humanities

• The American Institute of Physics: Search for career information in the fields of space, geophysics, biomedicine, nanotechnology, robotics.

• The American Association for the Advancement of Science: Resources to add students in their career search in the area of science.

Social Work

• National Association of Social Workers: Information about pursuing a career in social work.

• Council on Social Work Education: Social Work programs and advice on accreditation.

Career counseling and self assessment tests

• Career Zone: test based on six areas of interest.

• Career Interests Game: and a list of transferable skills.