Exploring career options is an essential part of all stages of career education (kindergarten to high school). The use of digital platforms to elevate career exploration is especially useful starting in elementary. Typically, such platforms are used when students are on the cusp of graduating high school. But that may be too late. Students need time to explore. They need time to really think about what their future career self may be and what strategic plan should be created to help reach those goals. As a career coach (e.g. teacher, parent, homeschool educator), you play such a pivotal role in exposing students to what career exploration can be….beyond a textbook or internship program.

And this is exactly where this tech review blog becomes useful to you. This is not your typical tech review of a platform. Instead, this review is uniquely designed to give you quick, bite-sized information that you can use to make a fast decision (in the fast paced society we live in!) but feel confident doing so. As you read through our top 5 platforms, we are currently liking, think of this as your cheat sheet to compare some of the top digital platforms for career exploration with an emphasis on how they align to digital literacy.

If you are scratching your head as to why we are connecting these reviews to digital literacy, check out our whole spill on why digital literacy is important here.

disclaimer: ranking is in no particular order.

1. O*NET OnLine

Overview: O*NET OnLine is a comprehensive career exploration tool that provides detailed information about various occupations, including job descriptions, required skills, and salary data. It is an excellent resource for students to explore a wide range of careers and understand the qualifications needed for each.

Digital Literacy Alignment: O*NET OnLine encourages students to develop research skills by exploring detailed job descriptions and required qualifications. It helps them interpret job market data, enhancing their ability to analyze and understand information. By comparing different career options, students engage in critical thinking, making informed decisions about their future paths.

Key Features To Be On The Lookout For:

• Detailed job descriptions
• Skills and qualifications required
• Salary and job outlook information

2. CareerOneStop

Overview: CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers a wealth of resources for career exploration, including career assessments, job search tools, and educational resources. It provides a comprehensive view of various career paths and the steps needed to pursue them.

Digital Literacy Alignment: CareerOneStop provides interactive career assessments that help students identify their interests and strengths. It teaches students how to find and evaluate career information, enhancing their information literacy. Familiarizing students with online tools for career planning equips them with essential digital skills for the future.

Key Features To Be On The Lookout For:

• Career assessments
• Job search resources
• Educational and training information

3. Pathful (formerly Nepris)

Overview: Pathful helps students connect with industry professionals through virtual job shadowing and live interactions, providing real-world insights into various careers. It offers a unique opportunity for students to learn directly from professionals in different fields.

Digital Literacy Alignment: Pathful enhances digital communication skills through live interactions with professionals. It introduces students to professional networking in a digital environment, teaching them how to build and maintain professional relationships. By providing practical insights into how digital tools are used in different careers, it bridges the gap between education and the real world.

Key Features To Be On The Lookout For:

• Virtual job shadowing
• Live industry chats
• Access to a network of professionals

4. My Next Move

Overview: My Next Move is an interactive tool for students to explore career options based on their interests and skills. It offers a user-friendly interface and detailed career information, making it easy for students to navigate and use. Now, don’t be fooled by the connection to O*Net. Both this website and O*Net are sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. You will still find valuable information on both of these sites!

Digital Literacy Alignment: My Next Move teaches students how to navigate and use interactive digital interfaces, enhancing their user interface navigation skills. It encourages self-assessment and reflection on personal skills and interests, promoting self-awareness. Helping students synthesize information from various sources supports informed decision-making.

Key Features To Be On the Lookout For:

• Interest assessments
• Career descriptions
• Skills and training requirements

5. Career Explorer

Overview: Career Explorer offers a personalized career exploration experience, using AI to match students with careers that fit their interests and skills. It provides a tailored approach to career planning, making it highly relevant for individual students.

Digital Literacy Alignment: Career Explorer introduces students to AI technology and its applications in career planning, enhancing their understanding of advanced digital tools. It provides a personalized learning experience based on individual interests, promoting engagement and motivation. By helping students analyze and understand career data it supports data literacy and critical thinking.

Key Features To Be On the Lookout For:

• AI-driven career matching
• Personalized career recommendations
• Detailed career profiles