Comprehensive list of careers?

Hey folks, I'm at a loss about what I want to do career-wise. Does anyone have a comprehensive list of careers to help me figure out the best path to take after high school? I'm interested in exploring different occupations and fields to see what might be a good fit for me. Thanks in advance!

While it's not possible to provide an exhaustive list of every career out there, I can suggest some broad categories and resources to help you in your exploration. Here are some categories of careers and commonly held positions within them:

1. Healthcare (e.g., physicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists)

2. Science and Research (e.g., biologists, chemists, physicists, psychologists)

3. Technology and Engineering (e.g., engineers, computer scientists, IT specialists)

4. Business and Finance (e.g., accountants, bankers, analysts, consultants)

5. Public Service and Social Work (e.g., teachers, social workers, public administrators)

6. Law and Criminal Justice (e.g., lawyers, police officers, forensic experts)

7. Creative Arts (e.g., writers, musicians, visual artists)

8. Environment and Conservation (e.g., environmental scientists, park rangers, wildlife biologists)

9. Communication and Media (e.g., journalists, public relations specialists, social media managers)

10. Hospitality and Tourism (e.g., hotel managers, tour guides, event planners)

To explore these careers further, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh), which provides extensive information on various occupations, including job duties, work environment, education and training needed, job outlook, and median salary.

Additionally, consider taking a career assessment test, like the Holland Code assessment or Myer-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), to help you understand your interests, skills, and potential career paths. Many high school guidance offices and career counseling centers offer these tests.

Finally, consider attending career fairs, job shadowing, or setting up informational interviews with professionals in fields that interest you. For example, as a starting point you might think about connecting with family friends whose work seems intriguing to you. These conversations will give you a more realistic understanding of the daily tasks and challenges associated with each profession.

Remember that career exploration is an ongoing process, and it's normal to not know exactly what you want to do right now. Plus, your interests and goals could well evolve over time. Good luck in your search!