Analyzing the Career Clusters The U.S. Department of Education identifies 16 career clusters by classifying specific jobs and industries into similar categories. You can use the information on career clusters to learn about careers as you do career research. Within each of the 16 career clusters are job, industry, and occupation types known as pathways. The clusters and their pathways help job seekers and individuals interested in specific careers to identify professions that best suit their interests and abilities. Through the clusters and pathways, you can learn about the education and skills you will need to be effective in a specific job and career. 1
1. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources This cluster is for people interested in the production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources. Agribusiness Systems Animal Systems Environmental Service Systems Food Products and Processing Systems Natural Resources Systems Plant Systems Power, Structural and Technical Systems 2. Construction Management People in this cluster design, plan, manage, build, and maintain the built environment. Construction Design/Pre-Construction Maintenance/Operations 2
3. Arts, Audio-Video Technology & Communications If you ever wanted to design, produce, exhibit, perform, write, and publish anything by making music or creating multimedia visual content then this cluster field is for you. Audio and Video Technology and Film Journalism and Broadcasting Performing Arts Printing Technology Telecommunications Visual Arts. Business Management & Administration Every business hires individuals to manage its operations. The employees who choose careers in the Business Management & Administration cluster play this role. Administrative Support Business Information Management General Management Human Resources Management Operations Management 3
5.Education & Training People employed in this field educate children and adults. Workers in this cluster need patience and good customer service skills to be effective in their jobs. Administration and Administrative Support Professional Support Services Teaching/Training 6. Finance Employees in this field provide services for financial and investment banking, insurance products, business/financial management, and more. Accounting Banking Services Business Finance Insurance Securities and Investments
7. Government & Public Administration Governments need employees to perform functions that include governance. People employed in this field typically develop strong communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Foreign Service Governance National Security Planning Public Management and Administration Regulation Revenue and Taxation 8. Hospitality & Tourism Hospitality and tourism workers manage, market, and operate restaurants and other food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services. Lodging Recreation, Amusements and Attractions Restaurants and Food/Beverage Services Travel and Tourism 5
9. Health Science Employees in this cluster plan, manage, and deliver therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development to individuals throughout the U.S. Biotechnology Research and Development Diagnostic Services Health Informatics Support Services Therapeutic Services 10. Human Services Careers in this cluster prepare individuals for employment in pathways that relate to families and human needs. This field can be very rewarding if you like to interact with people. Consumer Services Counseling and Mental Health Services Early Childhood Development and Services Family and Community Services Personal Care Services 6
11. Information Technology Individuals employed in this cluster build the bridges between people and technology. They are constantly working on cuttingedge technology aimed at making life easier for all. Information Support and Services Network Systems Programming and Software Development Web and Digital Communications 12. Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Individuals who plan, manage, and provide legal, public safety, protective services, and homeland security play important roles in your community. Correction Services Emergency and Fire Management Services Law Enforcement Services Legal Services Security and Protective Services 7
13. Manufacturing Those employed in this cluster perform the steps that go into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities. Health, Safety and Environmental Assurance Logistics and Inventory Control Maintenance, Installation and Repair Manufacturing Production Process Development Production Quality Assurance 1. Marketing Marketing professionals plan, manage, and perform activities to reach organizational objectives. Marketing Communications Marketing Management Market Research Merchandising Professional Sales 8
15. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Can you see yourself planning, managing, and providing scientific research as a career? If so, are you also willing to earn the certification or advanced education necessary to work in this career cluster? Engineering and Technology Science and Math 16. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics A lot of planning goes into transportation and shipping of products. Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance Health, Safety and Environmental Management Logistics Planning and Management Services Sales and Services Transportation Operations Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management, and Regulation Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations 9
Exploring Other Resources for Identifying Careers In addition to career clusters, you have many resources to help you identify the types of careers that are available. You can use career search resources to learn about the types of jobs that are available, and to locate jobs that match your interests, skills, and abilities. Your guidance and career counselors have books, computer programs, videos, and lists of useful Web sites that provide information about types of careers. Some of the best resources for learning about career opportunities are available at school. School clubs and organizations may also have career information. 10
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Web site has a section specifically for students (www.bls.gov/audience/students.htm). The BLS also publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH). It is available online at (www.bls.gov/oco). One of the best ways to learn about different careers is from someone who is employed. Job shadowing means to follow someone around at work for a day, or part of a day. An informational interview gives you the opportunity to sit down with someone who is employed in a career or industry that interests you. 11
Review The U.S. Department of Education identifies 16 career clusters by classifying specific jobs and industries into similar categories. Within each of the 16 career clusters are job, industry, and occupation types known as pathways. The career clusters are: Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources; Architecture & Construction; Arts, Audio-Video Technology & Communications; Business Management & Administration; Education & Training; Finance; Government &Public Administration; Health Science; Hospitality & Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing, Marketing; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics; Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics. In addition to career clusters, there are many resources to help you identify the types of careers that are available. 12