Career Exploration

Career & College Go Hand-in-Hand

Career exploration is a big part of launching your Dakota Dream. From learning about different careers to understanding training and job demand, discovering your career interests helps you consider your future and the opportunities available to support your best life. Understanding your career interests can even help you narrow your college search when the time comes.

Introducing SDMyLife

Did you know every South Dakota middle and high school student has access to SDMyLife? This free career and education planning platform helps students explore careers, identify their interests, discover in-demand occupations, and build a personalized plan for life after high school.

Through SDMyLife, students can:

  • Complete career interest assessments.
  • Explore South Dakota career clusters.
  • Learn about colleges, technical colleges, and training programs.
  • Save favorite careers and educational pathways.
  • Connect classroom learning to future goals.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your interests or narrowing down a college major, SDMyLife can help you discover what comes next.

Students can log in with their school email (K12) credentials or request their username from an educator or school representative at their school.

Explore SDMyLife

Career Exploration Camps

Discover career camps and hands-on learning opportunities offered throughout South Dakota. Hosted by colleges, businesses, state agencies, and community organizations, these experiences help students explore careers, connect with professionals, and learn more about the pathways available after high school.

Opportunities vary throughout the year and may include camps, workshops, campus visits, and special events.

View Career Camps & Events

Why Career Exploration Matters

Students who explore careers early are better prepared to select coursework, participate in dual enrollment opportunities, pursue scholarships, and make informed decisions about college and career pathways. Career exploration helps students connect their interests to real-world opportunities and confidently plan for life after high school.

Find Your Career Clusters

Career clusters group careers with similar skills and common themes. They are designed to help students acquire the knowledge and skills they need to reach their postsecondary and career goals. South Dakota recognizes 16 career clusters.

Exploring career clusters is an amazing way to begin career exploration. To understand where your interests align with career clusters, take the Career Matchmaker assessment on SDMyLife.com if you are in grades 6-12. This is a 36-question assessment that determines your top two career clusters and shows lists of career options that align with your interests.

Take the Career Matchmaker

SD's 15 Career Clusters

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING
AGRICULTURE
ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION
ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & DESIGN
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION
ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH SCIENCE
HOSPITALITY, EVENTS & TOURISM
HUMAN SERVICES
MANAGEMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
MARKETING AND SALES
PUBLIC SERVICE AND SECURITY
SUPPLY CHAIN & TRANSPORTATION

Career & Math Search Tool

Our Career & Math Search Tool is your guide to finding the right career based on your interests and the math courses you’re taking. Simply select your interests and preferences, and the tool will recommend careers that may be a good fit. This helps you plan your high school math courses effectively and prepare for the college math requirements of your desired career path. Start exploring now to pave the way for your future.

Career & Math Search

Engage in Work based Learning

Get out of the classroom and into the action! Work-based learning connects you with real businesses where you can explore careers, build hands-on skills, and see what it’s really like to work in that industry. It’s a chance to test-drive your future, grow your confidence, and gain the experience that sets you apart—whether you’re headed to college, a career, or both. Plus, you’re helping local industries discover their next generation of talent—you!

Career Ready SD

ADDITIONAL CAREER EXPLORATION RESOURCES

Career development occurs at every age. It starts with awareness, then transitions to exploration and moves to preparation. It’s important to understand how your interests relate to careers so you can walk confidently toward a fulfilling future.

Elementary Students
Middle School Students
High School Students
Mapping Your Future
Career Ready SD
O*NET® OnLine
ACT

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