6 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Explore Your Career Options The average worker spends 36 percent of his or her day working, as shown in Figure 1-1. This means a choice of career is one of the most important decisions a person will make as an adult. There are many potential careers from which to choose, so it is important to explore and research the career that is the best fit for you. Career Clusters The workplace is changing rapidly, and researching a career can be somewhat overwhelming. Studying the career clusters is a good starting point to see where your interests lie. The career clusters are 16 groups of occupational and career specialties, as shown in Figure 1-2. Each cluster has specific career pathways that range from entry-level jobs to more advanced positions. Career pathways are subgroups within the career clusters that reflect occupations requiring similar knowledge and skills. By exploring the career clusters, you can gain information about various career choices. SECTION 1.1 Your Career Objectives After completing this section, you will be able to: • Identify some of the resources available to explore career opportunities. • Explain the purpose and process of creating a career plan. Key Terms career clusters career pathways career and technical student organization (CTSO) career plan aptitude skill attitude values goal SMART goals Critical Thinking Write about where you see yourself in five, ten, or even twenty years. What type of career will you have? Will you own your own business? Even if you become a doctor, lawyer, or pharmacist, you can still own your own business many do. How can research and planning contribute to career success? How ca n rese an d planning