What is a Career Cluster?
Career Clusters are a way of organizing possible career paths in the United States. They are composed of groups of occupations and industries that share common educational requirements and attributes.
How are Career Clusters Organized?
The U.S Department of Education has organized 18 different career clusters:
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Architecture and Construction
- Arts, Audio/Video Technology, and Communications
- Business Management and Administration
- Education and Training
- Finance
- Government and Public Administration
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
- Waste Management and Recycling
- Industrial and Engineering Technology
Each career cluster identifies related careers that may be helpful in planning future education, training, and employment into specific fields.
Some people may find a career cluster that best describes their sense of self, while others may use the information to find rewarding jobs that will contribute to their career path.
Why are Career Clusters Important?
Career Clusters give structure to the job market and help individuals create career pathways that suit their skills, interests and ambitions.
These clusters provide up-to-date information on the career outlooks associated with each cluster, as well as job postings and requirements for entry-level positions.
Additionally, students are able to explore several industries and occupations that relate to their chosen cluster and may find information on scholarships, grants, and educational resources to further their career goals.
Conclusion
Career Clusters are a great way to organize the job market and help individuals make informed decisions about their future. With the help of these clusters, individuals can explore different industry paths, find information on related job postings, and discover resources that can help in planning for their ideal career.
