Final Steps

Fourth, you will want to learn as much as you can about the clusters/pathways offered by your school or community college.

Which career pathways best prepare you for the occupations that match your interests?

To help you, we have created a new ebook, 5 Steps to Choosing the Right Career Cluster, Field, or Pathway. It gives you the exact pathways for hundreds of occupations . . . and much more. Click here to learn how to order and download it to your computer.

And, Fifth, you want to make a good decision.

Since this decision is so important, you want to make it in a scientific way. You want to use the ACIP method of deciding. It is simple and effective. If you follow it, you are least likely to regret your choice later. Research studies show this.

You want to consider your Alternatives, identify the Consequences of each; gather Information, and Plan how you will (a) put your decision into effect and (b) handle negative consequences if the occur.

Go to Decision Making Process to learn how to use the ACIP method.

Tips

1. Be an active decision-maker. You are the one who will have to live with your decision. Follow the ACIP method of deciding described above.
   
   
2. Don’t sell yourself short. Self-confidence plays a big role in making a career choice, in succeeding in school and at work. You can do far more than you ever imagined.
   
   Speaking personally, I never dreamed that I had the ability to earn a doctorate degree, to do what I am doing. Fortunately, I met people who encouraged me; slowly I gained confidence . . . (see My Story).
   
   
3. Maximize your future options by avoiding a narrow “track”. Does a cluster or pathway limit your ability to go to college later? To advance in your career? For example, not taking advanced math and science classes in one pathway may hold you back later if you decide to switch to another that requires them.
   
   
4. Associate with positive people -- people who listen; who are practical, knowledgeable, and cheerful; who will encourage you, help you.
   
   
5. Be an active learner, grow as a person. Read. Learn from others. Travel.
   Meet people different from yourself. Do well in school. Learn the skills needed in the workplace.