Exploring Career Fields

There are many resources at NOVA to help you explore career options. These resources include information on salaries, job outlook, required skills, educational requirements and typical work duties for many different occupations. You can do your research via the printed page, a computer program, or in a classroom setting.

Check Out Your Campus Resources

All the NOVA campus libraries have career-related books and publications which are available in their reference sections or can be checked out. These include publications such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Encyclopedia of Careers, Vocational Guidance, and Professional Careers Series.

Each campus has a designated career counselor and career resources available.

Sign Up for Career Courses

Here's a sample of student development courses that can help you research occupations (get details from your local campus):

• SDV 106- Preparation for Employment (1 cr.)
• SDV 107- Career Education (2 cr.)
• PSY 106- Experiences in Personal Growth (3 cr.)
• SDV 195-Topics in Career/Major Decision-Making (1 cr.): This course is designed to assist you with deciding on a college major and/or exploring careers. Classes will include activities and self-assessments to build an understanding of your interests, values, motivations, strengths and skills to help find that best fit; career path and to familiarize you with online and NOVA career resources.

Wait! There's more...
Web links that provide valuable information on majors, jobs and job outlook, industries and pay scales include:

Information About Major and Degrees

• How to Pick a Major
• How to Choose a Major
• Choosing Your Major
• Exploring Majors (George Mason University)
• Major Resource Kits (University of Delaware)
• Majors Search (The Princeton Review)
• What Can I Do With a Major In (University of N. Carolina)
• Major and Career Profiles (College Board)

NOVA Program Advising Sheets

NOVA Catalog/Programs

Transfer Information to 4-Year Colleges/Universities

Occupational Information

• Virginia View (Vital Information for Education and Work) - Facts on careers and educational programs specific to Virginia.
• Occupational Outlook Handbook - This link takes you to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here you'll find info on the nature of work, working conditions, earnings, employment outlook and education and training requirements.
• America's Career InfoNet - A comprehensive source of occupational and economic info, including a general outlook of the national job market, wages, trends and state profiles.
• O’NET - Career and occupational information.
• Know How Virginia ) - Career and occupational profiles.
• Virginia Health Careers - Guidebook to over 90 different health careers. Describes job responsibilities, work setting, entry level salary, and related professional associations. Also listed are Virginia schools and universities which provide the education and training required for each career

Industry Information

• Hoovers Online - An online version of the business almanac, this site is subtitled "The Ultimate Source for Company Information."
• Fortune 500 - Information on America's biggest companies.
• Wetfeet.com - Click here for the big picture on careers with industry overviews and personal perspectives.
• Price Waterhouse - Articles on industry trends.
• Career Magazine - Articles and video information of industries and careers.
• Career Journal - Information on industry developments and trends.

Salary and Relocation Information

• Jobstar Career Information - Links and descriptions of 300+  salary surveys or summaries.
• The Riley Guide Salary Page - The bottom line: links to salary and benefits information.
• Wage Web - Salary information.
• Salary Wizard - Salary Information.