Exploration is not commitment—it’s curiosity.
Use What You Learned About Yourself
Exploration makes more sense when you know what you’re looking for. The assessments from the DISCOVER step gave you a clearer picture of what comes naturally, what motivates you, and what environments help you do your best work. Now you’ll compare that picture to real careers so you can see which options may line up.
Avoid Information Overload
There are thousands of careers out there, and it can feel impossible to know where to start. Focus on a smaller set of options that make sense to save time and spot real possibilities faster.
First, learn the lingo.
As you explore career options, you’ll see new words. Learning these words first makes the next steps of career exploration easier.
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![Briefcase]()
Career
Long-term path of work experiences and developed skills.
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![Spoke and Wheel]()
Career Cluster
Group of jobs that use similar skills and/or fit similar interests.
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![Bar Chart with Growth]()
Growth
How the total number of jobs is expected to change over time.
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![Fire Flame]()
In Demand
Employers expect to need many workers now and years ahead.
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![Empty Box]()
Industry
Group of employers that produce similar goods/provide similar services.
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![ID Tag on Laynard]()
Job
Specific role at a specific employer. One title with responsibilities.
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![Sun]()
Job Outlook
Prediction if number of jobs will grow, stay the same, or shrink in the future.
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![Three People]()
Occupation
Broad category for similar jobs across different employers.
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![Hiring Sign]()
Openings
Estimated number of positions that need to be filled each year.
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![Diploma with Badge]()
Profession
Occupation requiring specialized education or credentials.
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![Hands holding money]()
Sector
Major divisions of the economy, such as public, private, and nonprofit.
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![Pencil through Gear]()
Skill
Developed ability to perform specific job activities or tasks.
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![Hierarchy Chart]()
Sub-Cluster
Smaller group in a career cluster with jobs needing similar training and skills.
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![Person Pointing to Board]()
Training
Getting the practice and knowledge needed to do a skill.
WHERE TO START EXPLORING
Reading an Occupation Profile.
Know what to look for and why.
Connect what you’ve learned about an occupation to its broader cluster of related careers.
CAREER CLUSTERS
Groups of jobs that use similar skills and need similar knowledge. They help you see which jobs are connected and belong in the same area of work.
Career clusters matter because they help you explore careers without getting overwhelmed. Instead of looking at hundreds of jobs, clusters group similar jobs together so you can see what kinds of work might fit your skills and interests.
BUILDING AND MOVING
Find Purpose.
Create and maintain the places, products, and systems that keep communities connected and everyday life running.
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
Find Purpose.
Contribute to stability and growth by supporting the financial health of individuals and organizations.
CONNECTING & SUPPORTING SUCCESS
Find Purpose.
Help people and organizations share information, make decisions, and access the products and services they need.
CARING FOR COMMUNITIES
Find Purpose.
Support the well-being, safety, development, and daily needs of people and families.
CREATING & EXPERIENCING
Find Purpose.
Use creativity to make art, design things, plan events, and create experiences that entertain or bring people together.
CULTIVATING RESOURCES
Find Purpose.
Grow food, care for animals, manage natural resources, and produce energy to support communities.
has it all
HANCOCK COUNTY
Every Cluster Represented
Every career cluster lives here in Hancock County. Our community has employers doing all kinds of meaningful work. Whether you’re a longtime resident or someone considering a move, Hancock County offers room to grow, try new paths, and find a career that fits.
Importance of Connections
Dive into the companies that call Hancock County home. Our local employers share a lot online—what they make, who they serve, the jobs they offer, the skills they value, and the stories of the people who work there. Browse their websites and social media to quickly explore Hancock County’s amazing employers.
Find Yourself in Any of the 14 Career Clusters
When you build strong skills in one area—like solving problems, managing projects, or working with people—you can take those strengths with you into new industries and roles. That’s why skills open doors: they move with you, help you grow, and allow you to explore careers across clusters, not just inside one path. That’s why we recommend exploring many career clusters.
What’s Next.
