3
Unit
One
Career
Preparation
If you are passionate about learning and like being in
a school or academic setting, you may enjoy a career in
education and training.

Education and training. A career in this
cluster requires a solid background in academic,
technical, and presentation/facilitation skills. Teaching
careers generally require a four-year college
degree and certifi cation. Requirements for early
childhood education careers vary by state. Careers
in administration, college or university teaching, and
professional support services often require graduate
education.

Skills and personal qualities. Workers in this
fi eld enjoy helping others expand their knowledge.
Enthusiasm, patience, and creative thinking skills
help teachers motivate students. Leadership skills are
important for careers in educational administration.
Sources: States’ Career Clusters Initiative, Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Guide to Industries
Career Discovery
Are you a “people person”? Are you motivated to
improve the lives of others? Perhaps a career in human
services is the best choice for you.

Education and training. A career in human services
requires a solid background in communication,
science, and technical skills. Some careers require
one or two years of postsecondary training. Most
careers require a four-year college/university degree.

Skills and personal qualities. A career in human
services may be a good fi t if you enjoy working with
people and have good communication skills. Human
services careers can be very rewarding. Determining
the specifi c age group or population you would like
to serve will help guide your career research. Some
social service agencies and not-for-profi t organizations
offering career opportunities may be under-funded and
under-staffed. A strong motivation to improve the lives of
others is important to sustain workers in these areas.

Job outlook. Employment in human services is
expected to grow in the coming years. However,
growth in some areas may be affected by the
availability of government funding.

Wages or salary. Earnings in the human services
sector are typically lower than wages and salaries in
other industries. Professionals with advanced degrees
and management responsibilities usually have the
highest earning potential

Job outlook. Job prospects are expected to grow
as workers in this fi eld retire. Budget constraints can
limit hiring in some educational settings. Demand in
some areas, such as special education, may exceed
others.

Wages or salary. Earnings in education and
training careers are considered moderate to high.
College and university professors and educational
administrators typically achieve the highest earnings.
Occupations requiring less education, such as child
care workers and preschool teachers, usually earn the
lowest wages.
Education and Training
Pathways
Administration and Administrative
Support
Professional Support Services
Teaching and Training
Sample Careers
Child Care Worker
Coach
School Administrator
Speech & Language Pathologist
Teacher
Human Services Pathways
Early Childhood
Development and Services
Counseling and Mental Health Services
Family and Community Services
Personal Care Services
Consumer Services
Sample Careers
Adult Day Care Worker
Certifi ed Financial Planner
Clinical & Counseling Psychologist
Cosmetologist
Personal Trainer
Community Affairs
Director
Can you think of other careers
related to the chapter?
Link to
Careers
21st
Century
Skills
Leadership. Jennifer is a
leader at work and in the
community. She recently
organized her company’s
participation in a fund-raising
walk to benefi t a community
organization. She was also
recognized by her employer
for outstanding community
service.
Membership in a student organization
can help you build self-esteem and develop
a positive self-concept. If you are not
already involved in a student organization,
join one that interests you. If you are
already active in an organization, volunteer
to lead a special project. Document your
participation for your portfolio, including:

name, description, and logo of the
organization

dates of your participation

description of your roles and
responsibilities

list of special projects or activities

photo of an important project or activity
VIII Introduction
Career Discovery describes career opportunities in each of the 16 career clusters. Preparation
requirements, job outlook, and personal qualities needed for success are just a few of the types
of information you will read about in this feature.
21st Century Skills
Addresses qualities that lead
to success in the workplace.
Link to Careers
Encourages you to
explore careers related
to chapter content.
Portfolio Builder
Guides you in developing a portfolio
of your work throughout this course.
Learning the basics of portfolio
development now will help you compile
an employment portfolio in the future.
Discover Career Options
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