Career Planning

Where to start?

High School

You probably started looking at different careers when you were in middle and high school. Not only did you learn what a person in that career did, but also what education or training the career required.

Taken specific classes to learn more about that job.

Interviewed professionals working in that career field.

Job shadowed someone who has a career you’re interested in.

Your Next Steps

You may be ready to take the next step towards getting the job you want. Here are some options to consider:

Postsecondary Education

Continuing your education after high school is a great way to achieve your career goals in the future. There are lots of choices for training after high school – this is called postsecondary education. Colleges offer many training choices. You do not have to go to school for four years to get training at a college. Today colleges have many ways to get training:

Letter of Recognition – two or three classes that teach skills for a specific job.

Certificate – a shorter program, teaching the skills needed for quick entry into the workplace.

Degree – a two or four year program teaching the skills needed to get a job or continue your education.

Usually, the college has either a department or a person who is in charge of support services for students with disabilities. They can help you with accommodations, problem solving and making sure the classes and the physical environment of the college are accessible.

Examples of accommodations are:

The services offered at each college will vary. You should be prepared to give documentation of your disability.

Taking tests in a quiet area

Longer time for tests

Note takers

Written copies of material that is presented out loud

Notes from lectures

Use of an interpreter

American Job Centers

American Job Centers are places that have many programs for training, education and employment under one roof. These centers offer all job seekers easy entry to services such as job listings, referrals to employers and placement assistance.

Starting Your Own Business

There are a several programs that can help you start your own business.

RISE

RISE (Reach Independence through Self-Employment) is a program for individuals who are eligible for services through Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS). Individuals interested in starting their own business must first speak with their DORS counselor. You may need to take two self-employment courses to see if self-employment is the right choice for you. Then you will write a business plan and it will be reviewed by business and banking experts.