When planning your future—whether it's your next academic step or career move—you deserve information that’s accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy. Not all websites are created equal. Some may prioritize advertising over facts, leaving out key details or presenting biased perspectives.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of reliable, student-focused resources that offer real insights into careers, job trends, and educational paths. These sites are designed to inform, not just promote. And if you're ever unsure about a source, the DSC InfoGuide: Finding Reliable Information is a great place to start—it’s packed with tools to help you evaluate websites with confidence.
A very user-friendly site created by the U.S. Department of Labor, MyNextMove is a dynamic career database built with students in mind. It features:
🎥 Watch a quick video overview of MyNextMove to see how it works.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is your go-to source for real-world career data. Whether you're exploring job options or planning your future, this site helps you make informed decisions with facts—not guesses.
Here’s what you can discover:
🎥 Check out a short video tutorial on using the Occupational Outlook Handbook to research careers.
Whether you're choosing a major, planning your future, or just curious about your options, these websites offer reliable, easy-to-understand career info to help you take the next step with confidence.
Discover what jobs are really like.
O*NET is packed with detailed descriptions of hundreds of careers. You’ll learn about job tasks, skills needed, work environments, and more. It’s great for students, job seekers, and anyone exploring career possibilities.
Your starting point for career research.
Explore nearly 900 occupations with in-depth profiles that include job duties, education requirements, salary info, and career outlook.
🎥 Watch a short video on how to use CareerOneStop.
Find your fit among 900+ careers.
Search and browse career profiles, job descriptions, salary expectations, and educational paths. You can even watch videos and learn about personality types that match each career.
Real-world advice for every career stage.
Whether you're choosing a career, switching paths, or looking for job search tips, this site offers practical guidance on education, training, and career decisions.
Know your worth.
Search by job title and location to find salary ranges across industries. Perfect for planning your future or negotiating your first job offer.
Find a career that makes you excited to wake up.
This youth-focused site helps you explore careers, education options, and job search tips—all designed to help you find work that fits your life and goals.
Turn your passion into a career plan.
This site breaks down the steps to enter different careers—from education and training to job search strategies. It’s a great guide for building a career you’ll love.
Want to know what a job is really like before you commit to it? Informational interviews are one of the best ways to explore careers, build your network, and get insider advice—straight from people working in the field.
It’s a casual conversation with a professional in a career you’re curious about. You ask questions, they share their experience. It’s not a job interview, and you’re not asking for a job—you're gathering real-world info to help guide your career decisions. These chats can happen over coffee, on a phone call, or virtually. Think of it as a fact-finding mission to help you figure out if a career path is right for you.
Reading articles is helpful, but talking to real people gives you personalized, practical advice. Combine informational interviews with online research and hands-on experiences (like internships or job shadowing) for the best results.
Check out Columbia University’s Guide To Informational Interviews for tips on how to prepare, what to ask, and how to follow up.
🎥 Watch this short video below to learn the basics of conducting an informational interview.
This short video explains how informational interviews can help you explore careers by talking directly with professionals in fields you're interested in. It shows you how to set up a conversation, what kinds of questions to ask, and how to make the most of the advice you get. It’s not about asking for a job—it’s about learning what a job is really like, building connections, and getting insider tips that can help you plan your future.