Career Exploration

Explore Careers. Plan Your Future.

Career exploration is a big part of launching your Dakota Dream.

By 2031, an estimated 72% of jobs will require education or training beyond high school. Exploring careers now can help you discover your interests, understand education and training options, and prepare for a rewarding future.

Start Exploring Careers with SDMyLife

Career exploration helps you discover careers that match your interests, strengths, and goals. Every South Dakota middle and high school student has free access to SDMyLife, the state’s official career and education planning platform.

Use SDMyLife to:

  • Complete career interest assessments.

  • Explore South Dakota career clusters.

  • Learn about colleges, technical colleges, apprenticeships, and other education and training pathways.

  • Save favorite careers and educational pathways.

  • Connect your interests, coursework, and career goals.

 

SDMyLife Login:

Every South Dakota middle and high school student has free access to SDMyLife. Students can log in using their school (K–12) email credentials. If you need help accessing your account, contact an educator or school representative.

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Explore Careers in Different Ways

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.

Explore Careers Through Math

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.

More Career Exploration Tools

Continue exploring careers with additional trusted tools for career planning, education planning, and labor market information.

Mapping Your Future

Explore careers, compare colleges, and plan your education.

Career Ready SD

Learn about South Dakota careers, wages, employers, and workforce opportunities.

O*NET

Explore occupations, required skills, education, and projected job growth.

ACT

Use ACT career planning tools to connect your interests with education.

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Find Your Career Clusters

Career clusters organize occupations by industry, making it easier to explore careers that match your interests. Each cluster includes careers with similar skills, education, and training requirements.

South Dakota recognizes 15 career clusters to help students explore career pathways and connect their interests to future education and career opportunities.

Not sure where to start? Take the Career Matchmaker Assessment in SDMyLife. This short assessment recommends career clusters and occupations based on your interests, helping you discover careers you may enjoy.

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

PUT YOUR EXPLORATION INTO ACTION

Every experience helps prepare you for your future. Career camps, work-based learning, job shadows, internships, and volunteering can help you discover careers, build skills, and make informed decisions about life after high school.

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!

What's Next?

No matter where you are in school, there are steps you can take today to explore careers and prepare for your future. Choose the section that matches where you are to discover recommended activities and next steps.

Elementary Students
Middle School Students
High School Students

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