Career Exploration & Planning

Building a Foundation for Success

Below is our comprehensive career exploration and planning hub. We have developed a curated collection of reputable resources aimed at guiding students and young adults through the journey of discovering potential career paths, understanding the necessary steps, and ultimately crafting a roadmap to success. Regardless of the career path, there are resources to guide informed decision making.

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Contact Us

Daveda Colbert
Wayne RESA Superintendent
(734) 334-1442
Crystal Nowka
Career Technical/Adult Education Consultant
(734) 334-1483
Rhonda Turner
Career Technical/Adult Education Consultant
(734) 334-1527

Career Resources

Get Schooled is a national nonprofit that partners with students to get into college, graduate, and go far. Their programs are free for students — funded entirely by philanthropy. Get Schooled
CareerOneStop is the flagship career, training, and job search website for the U.S. Department of Labor. The website serves job seekers, businesses, students, and career advisors with a variety of free online tools, information and resources. Career One Stop
Browse Detroit career fairs and job guides, powered by Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, a Michigan Works! Agency. Supported by the State of Michigan, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. MI Construction Careers
This publication highlights Michigan's high-demand, high-wage careers that show a favorable mix of projected long-term job growth, projected annual job openings, and median wages through 2032 in various industries. Michigan's Career Outlook
My Next Move is an interactive tool for job seekers and students to learn more about their career options and can find careers through keyword search. My Next Move has tasks, skills, salary information, and more for over 900 different careers. My Next Move
O*NET OnLine provides broad access to their comprehensive database of occupational information. With its extensive search options, O*NET serves as an important resource for individuals seeking career information and guidance. O*NET
Pathfinder uses current labor market, wage and institutional data and metrics to help you create an individualized career roadmap. This free tool provides information to students, their parents, and guidance staff to make informed choices about educational and career options. Pathfinder
Whether you're exploring new career paths or seeking inspiration, we'll meet you at your level, match your learning style, and guide your career journey—empowering you to make informed decisions about your future. RoadTrip Nation
View our videos on career & exploration planning. Hear from Professionals from a diverse array of occupations across Detroit and Wayne County. Learn about the road to that career and gain valuable advice from the people living it every day. WRESA Workforce Spotlight Videos


Careers of Interest

Students across Wayne County have expressed great interest in the career pathways listed below. Because of this our team has developed the resources below. Click on the tab to explore local resources and opportunities in Wayne County and surrounding communities. Check back often as we continue to grow our library of career pathway specific resources.

Animal Care & Veterinary
Audio Engineering
Aviation
Barber & Cosmetologist Careers
Business & Entrepreneurship Careers
Computer Related Careers
Education Careers
Engineering
General Career Exploration
Green Careers
Mental Health Support
Nursing & Related Careers
Public Safety
Real Estate
Skilled Trades
Social Media Careers

High School Resources

9th Grade Checklist (PDF)
10th Grade Checklist (PDF)
11th Grade Checklist (PDF)
12th Grade Checklist (PDF)


Planning Resources

Apprenticeships

Skilled Trades Readiness

Discover the next steps to becoming skilled trades ready by reading this digital newsletter:

Smore Newsletter: Skilled Trades Readiness(External Website, opens in new window) 

My Action Plan After Graduation: Skilled Trades Checklist

Follow our checklist guide for actionable steps, including researching careers, reviewing regional program offerings, and verifying entry requirements.

Download the Action Plan

Skilled Trade Action Plan(PDF, opens in new window)

College Resource Links

Resources en Español

(PDF, opens in new window)(PDF, opens in new window)My Action Plan after Graduation: University

Download the Action Plan

Action Plan: University(PDF, opens in new window)(PDF, opens in new window)

Gap Year Resources

Explore resources for planning a meaningful and productive gap year:

Gap Year Action Plan Checklist

Download the Action Plan

Gap Year Action Plan(PDF, opens in new window)

Military Career Resources

ASVAB Program(External Website, opens in new window) 

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. It is administered annually to over one million applicants and students.

Careers in the Military(External Website, opens in new window) 

Explore military careers by completing an assessment or searching by branch, rank, career cluster, and career path.

March2Success(External Website, opens in new window) 

A free online resource hub designed to help users boost performance on standardized tests, including state exit exams, college entrance exams, and the ASVAB.

U.S. Department of Defense(External Website, opens in new window) 

The DoD offers various programs, including educational scholarships, internships, and initiatives in defense, security, technology, and engineering.

My Action Plan after Graduation: Military Service Checklist

Download the action plan

Action Plan: Military Service(PDF, opens in new window)

Military Action Plan Newsletter:

Workforce Links

Recursos en Español

Workforce Readiness Action Plan Checklist

Follow our checklist guide for the next steps to becoming workforce ready, including tips for researching careers and reviewing regional requirements.

Download the Action Plan

Workforce Action Plan


Wayne RESA Related Pages

Career Counseling Career Counselors work in collaboration with school counseling teams to support students’ career readiness and post-secondary goals. By facilitating early awareness sessions & working with high school students, both individually and in small groups, career counselors help students develop post-secondary plans based on their needs, interests, and abilities.
Financial Aid & Scholarships A well-curated resource page for financial aid and scholarships is a crucial tool for students navigating college, postsecondary, and career technical education pathways. These resources empower students and play a pivotal role in alleviating financial barriers, ensuring individuals can pursue their education and career goals without undue financial strain.
Postsecondary Navigation The Wayne RESA Postsecondary Success Navigator helps provide navigational support for referred recent graduates of the Career Counseling initiative. Post secondary navigators empower alumni to build and pursue their unique career roadmap, develop resiliencies to cope with the challenges of transition, gain courage to advocate for themselves, and cultivate a network to support their goals.

Wayne RESA Resources

Professional Development
Early Childhood
Career Counseling
Literacy
Multilingual Support
District / School Continuous Improvement
Special Education and Early Intervention
Shared Operational Services