Cluster-by-Cluster Edition
Career Interest Survey: Cluster-by-Cluster Edition
Explore Your Future With Career Clusters
Career Clusters are a way to explore the world of work by grouping similar careers and industries together—such as healthcare, digital technology, design, or education. This helps you see how your interests and strengths connect to real opportunities. But in real life, careers do not always fit into neat boxes. Skills you build in one Cluster can transfer to others, and many jobs involve work across multiple fields.
This activity is based on Advance CTE’s National Career Clusters® Framework, which is used in schools and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs to help learners like you explore options, build skills, and get ready for what comes next. Whether you plan to go to or continue college, start a job, or explore hands-on training, CTE programs can help you take that first step.
As you go through the survey, think about what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and what kinds of problems you want to help solve in your community and the world. Your answers will point you toward Career Clusters that are a great place to start learning more about your future.
Instructions
There are 14 Career Clusters to explore. Each Career Cluster is represented by its own section below.
- For each Cluster, check the statements that sound like you. You can check as many or as few as you want—there are no wrong answers.
- After you’ve gone through all the Clusters, find your top three scores in the section labeled My Top Career Clusters – Part I.
- Match the Cluster number to the corresponding Career Cluster in the section labeled Career Cluster Key. These are great places to start exploring careers that might be a good fit for you!
Career Cluster List - Start Exploring!
Now that you have picked your top three Career Clusters, you can learn more about each one. The following key gives you a quick look at what people in those fields do, the types of classes or programs you might find in school, and cool new careers to explore.
As you read, think about which programs your school, district, or region might offer that match your interests. You do not have to decide anything today—this activity is just about learning more and getting excited about your future.
You will also see that the Career Clusters are grouped into larger categories, such as Connecting & Supporting Success. These Cluster Groupings can help you explore related fields and spot connections between different Clusters that you might not have considered yet. You may find that other Clusters within the same group also match your interests and strengths.
Cross-Cutting Clusters - Connecting and Supporting Success
Cross-Cutting Clusters include jobs you’ll find across all industries, not just in one field. These careers and skills connect everywhere!
What it is: Using computers, code, and smart systems to solve problems.
Programs you might see: Cybersecurity, coding, game design, networking.
Emerging careers: AI programmer, cybersecurity specialist, app developer.
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What it is: Leading people, starting businesses, and bringing new ideas to life.
Programs you might see: Business management, entrepreneurship, leadership.
Emerging careers: Startup founder, innovation strategist, business coach.
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What it is: Communicating ideas and helping people find products they love.
Programs you might see: Marketing, digital media, business communication.
Emerging careers: Social media strategist, brand content designer, digital campaign manager.
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Building & Moving
What it is: Making products using machines, robotics, and smart technology.
Programs you might see: Engineering tech, robotics, machine tools, industrial design.
Emerging careers: Robotics technician, 3D printing specialist, smart factory operator.
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What it is: Building homes, schools, roads, and other structures using hands-on skills.
Programs you might see: Carpentry, electrical systems, HVAC, masonry.
Emerging careers: Green building technician, solar panel installer, 3D-printed home builder.
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What it is: Moving people, goods, and information safely and efficiently.
Programs you might see: Logistics, automotive tech, aviation, commercial driving.
Emerging careers: Drone delivery coordinator, supply chain analyst, electric vehicle tech.
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Caring for Communities
What it is: Helping others learn, grow, and reach their goals.
Programs you might see: Teaching, early childhood education, peer mentoring.
Emerging careers: Virtual tutor, learning experience designer, coach.
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What it is: Taking care of people’s physical and emotional health.
Programs you might see: Nursing assistant, health science, human development.
Emerging careers: Telehealth support tech, genetic counselor, mental health aide.
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What it is: Protecting people and helping communities stay safe and supported.
Programs you might see: Law enforcement, emergency services, public policy.
Emerging careers: Cybercrime analyst, emergency drone pilot, community outreach officer.
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Creating & Experiencing
What it is: Expressing ideas through art, performance, and digital creation.
Programs you might see: Graphic design, theater, media production, animation.
Emerging careers: Virtual reality designer, podcast producer, digital content creator.
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What it is: Helping people enjoy experiences like travel, dining, and entertainment.
Programs you might see: Culinary arts, hotel management, event planning.
Emerging careers: Experience designer, eco-tourism guide, food sustainability planner.
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Cultivating Resources
What it is: Working with plants, animals, and the environment to grow food and protect natural resources.
Programs you might see: Animal science, plant science, agriculture mechanics, food systems.
Emerging careers: Urban farmer, drone crop monitor, precision agriculture tech.
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What it is: Powering the world and protecting the planet through clean energy and natural systems.
Programs you might see: Environmental science, renewable energy, wildlife management.
Emerging careers: Wind turbine tech, environmental data analyst, solar energy consultant.
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Investing in the Future
What it is: Helping people and businesses make smart money decisions.
Programs you might see: Accounting, business finance, banking, insurance.
Emerging careers: Financial tech (fintech) advisor, cryptocurrency analyst, personal budgeting coach.
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