Career Readiness Resources
Tools to explore careers and plan ahead.
Curated resources for students, families and counselors — plus opportunities outside the school day and year. Many programs fill quickly and have early deadlines, so check back often.
Resource Library
Career exploration & labor-market resources
Destination links are maintained by the NECSS office.
16 Career Clusters®
Career Clusters® link school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for success in the workplace, helping students of all ages explore options and prepare for college and career.
CareerOneStop
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor — your pathway to career success, with tools for job seekers, students, businesses and career professionals.
CareerPath® by CareerBuilder
A career resource center to assist you in making the right career decisions, with career tests, advice and resources.
Career Cornerstone Center
An ever-expanding resource for exploring careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing and healthcare — over 185 degreed fields, with education requirements, salaries and planning resources.
Illinois Association for Career and Technical Education
Provides unified, visionary leadership to advance career and technical education across Illinois.
Illinois Career and Labor Market Information
The latest information on occupations, wages, education and training requirements, and employment outlook.
Illinois Career Information System
Part of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois CIS partners with the U.S. BLS and Employment & Training Administration and is home to the Illinois Career Resource Network.
Illinois State Board of Education
Provides leadership, assistance, resources and advocacy so every student is prepared to succeed in careers and postsecondary education.
Illinois workNet®
Uses partnerships and technology to expand seamless, real-time access to workforce development resources for individuals, businesses and workforce professionals.
Perkins Measures
Perkins Measures indicate the NECSS region’s performance level measured against the state’s target performance level.
Events, Internships & Camps
Opportunities outside the school day
Explore experiences offered throughout the school year and over the summer. Opportunities may fill quickly and many have early application and registration deadlines — check back often for new and updated listings.
| Cluster | Pathway | Opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Agriculture | Vet Science | USDA AgDiscovery Program |
| Architecture & Construction | Architecture | Carpenter Training Open House |
| Arts & Communication | Film | Digital Media Academy |
| Arts & Communications | Journalism | Chicago Wolves “Writing Chance” |
| Arts & Communications | Media Arts | Screen Test Student Fest |
| Business Mgmt & Administration | Business Careers | Focus on Business |
| Government & Public Administration | Government | American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State |
| Government & Public Administration | Government | American Legion Auxiliary Illini Girls State |
| Government & Public Administration | Government | Student Election Judge |
| Government & Public Administration | Government | Tenth Dems University |
| Health Science | Medical | Northwestern Medicine Discovery |
| Health Science | Medical | Perry Initiative — Women in Engineering & Medicine |
| Information Technology | Computer Science | Girls Who Code |
| Information Technology | Computer Science | Google Summer Institute |
| Natural Resources | Natural Resources | Future Leaders in Planning |
| Natural Resources | Veterinarian | Vet Mentoring Program |
| Natural Resources | Veterinary | Anti-Cruelty Teens Who Care Program |
| Natural Resources | Zoological Science | Conservation Science Scholars Program |
| Science, Tech, Engineering, Math | Science | Women in Engineering Summer Program |
| Science, Tech, Engineering, Math | Zoological Science | Conservation Internship Programs |
| Transportation, Distribution & Logistics | Automotive | Tech Expo |
| Transportation, Distribution & Logistics | Automotive | World of Wheels Student Career Day |