Career planning can be tricky for students. They are still discovering what they love and what they are good at. We know that students are more likely to make choices that lead to long-term satisfaction and success when focusing on careers that are a natural fit. Early career field exploration can help students make more deliberate, well-informed choices. This may be especially beneficial for students who do not expect to continue their education beyond high school. A 2024 Gallup Voices of Gen Z study found that high school students not planning to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree were less optimistic about future job prospects. These students need career counseling that helps them realize that success is attainable through multiple routes.

Focused Career Exploration

A holistic approach that includes a personalized exploration process that considers a student’s individual aptitudes, interests, and values has proven to empower students to make informed, confident decisions about their future careers. One well-researched and widely used tool for career exploration, available at no cost to participants in high schools, community colleges, and job corps centers, is the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP), developed by the Department of Defense in 1992.

A holistic approach that includes a personalized exploration process that considers a student’s individual aptitudes, interests, and values has proven to empower students to make informed, confident decisions about their future careers.

The ASVAB CEP suite of tools is designed to facilitate informed decision making. Taking the ASVAB aptitude test and completing the CEP interest inventory and work values assessment help students identify careers that align with their unique strengths, interests, and values. The comprehensive career exploration component of the program assists students in considering all potential paths to their desired career opportunities, including college, work-based learning, and the military. This personalized and wide-ranging approach ensures that students are not limited to a narrow view of career options and can build a plan that is both focused and flexible.

Flexibility in Career Planning

While the ASVAB CEP helps students focus on their career goals and choices, it also encourages flexibility. Good career advising acknowledges the realities of today’s workforce. For example, data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (1998-2021) shows that workers held an average of nine different jobs by the time they were 36 years old, with the most frequent changes happening in their younger years. So as students learn about various career pathways, they also need to learn how they can adapt if one plan doesn’t work out. If a student’s first career choice doesn’t come to fruition, they should have identified other viable career options, making it easier for them to remain resilient in the face of setbacks. Flexibility is crucial in today’s ever-changing job market. The ASVAB CEP tools engage students by offering them alternative career options and helping them realize that success is attainable through multiple routes.

Final Thoughts

If you would like more information, visit https://www.asvabprogram.com/.

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Dr. Jan Bayer has worked as a career development and occupational analysis expert for over 30 years. An Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, she specializes in career exploration, occupational analysis, focus group facilitation, and skills assessment. Dr. Bayer has consulted with many federal and private sector organizations. Her experience includes survey work, training development, performance appraisal, competency modeling, and change management.