Career Exploration

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Choosing a career pathway is one of the most important decisions you will make. At College of Western Idaho (CWI), we are committed to providing you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to make informed decisions for your future.

Whether you are just starting your educational journey, seeking employment, or looking to advance your career, we are here to help you explore pathways with confidence! Explore the resources below to get started. 

  • Handshake

    Explore jobs and internships, get career coaching, connect with employers and work-study positions, and more through Handshake, available to students and alumni.  

    Get Started with Handshake

  • MyPlan

    Prepare for your future with MyPlan, a free career assessment tool for CWI students, to assist you in making decisions about your education and future career. 

    Access MyPlan

    • Select the Account tab and Create Free Account
    • Choose a username and password. 
    • Enter the code EDNBCACS.
    • Once your account is created, visit the Assessment Tab to take the Personality, Interest, Skills, and Values assessments.
    • Review your results, and explore different career options. 
    • Contact your advisor to go over your results and create a plan.
  • Local Resources

    Idaho Department of Labor

    • Occupational and Industry Projections: Learn about Idaho’s top jobs, which industries are growing the fastest, and which are declining.
    • Jobscape Career Search Tool: Find data for occupations in Idaho based on salary, number of people employed, annual openings, education requirements, and more. 
      • Enter keywords related to your preferred job or occupation, search common industries, see hot jobs, or show all occupations by selecting Show Me Everything.
      • Utilize the filters to narrow your search by wage, education level, or location within the state. 

    Next Steps Idaho

    • Self-Assessments & Planning Tools: Utilize interactive quizzes and planning tools to explore how your interests can translate into a rewarding career, then make a plan to get there. 
  • National Resources

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

    • Occupational Outlook Handbook: View lists of fastest growing or highest paying jobs, or look up occupations of interest for detailed information and employment statistics.

    U.S. Department of Labor

    • CareerOneStop: Learn about what industries are growing or declining. Also a centralized place to look up occupations of interest and get job market data for whichever state you are interested in.
    • O*NET OnLine: Find occupations that match your personality, abilities, or values and get a summary of occupational and job market information.
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  • Real-World Insights

    While reviewing data is important, it is equally as important to talk to people in the field you plan to go into. Professionals working in the field can give you more of a real-life perspective on the job market for that profession, as well as a better sense of what the job looks like day-to-day and how well it really fits your criteria.

    • Informational Interviews: Sit down with someone working in your intended career field and ask questions about their job, the job market, and how to make yourself competitive.
    • Networking Events: Attend networking events at colleges, universities, and within the community to connect with employers and professionals and ask questions.
    • Professional Organizations: Connect with relevant professional organizations for your career field to learn more and meet people who can help you achieve your goals.