Career Searching
Do you know what you may want to do for a living? Here are some tools to help you think about different kinds of careers!
Living Wage Calculator
A living wage calculator can give you an estimate of the cost of living within a specific region/state/community. It is based on the typical expenses of families living in these areas. The tool will help you note what your minimum income should be to meet the minimum standard of living. The tool is also specific in detailing the different costs and earnings for different family sizes!
Internet Assessment
This tool is within MyNextMove, and it measures your interests and strengths (as well as how long you are willing to go to school for) and suggests careers that may fit what you are looking for!
Technical/Trade/Apprenticeship
Technical School
"Learning + doing"
Technical schools are postsecondary institutions that prepare you for a particular job, with a larger classroom component. Ex: information technology, medical technology.
Trade School
"Learning by doing"
Trade schools are postsecondary institutions that train students for specific, hands-on, and highly skilled jobs. Ex: electrician, carpenter, auto technician.
Apprenticeship
"Learning while doing"
Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training and a paycheck. You will train and work with real-life professionals in the field.
List of Technical/Trade Schools & Local Apprenticeship Programs to check out:
- Pennsylvania College of Technology (a Penn State Affiliate)
- Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI)
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Williamson College of the Trades (all-male school; offers scholarships to pay for all costs of attendance) – early deadlines!
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- Northeastern Joint Apprenticeship & Training (NEAT) – for linework