O*NET is the nation’s primary source of occupational information and is designed to describe how work changes across tasks, skills, and work activities.3 That makes it a useful foundation for career conversations.
Even in highly technical roles, communication, judgment, ethics, adaptability, and problem-solving remain important. The World Economic Forum highlights creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, and lifelong learning alongside technical skills.2
Computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow much faster than average from 2024 to 2034, with about 317,700 openings each year on average.4 Healthcare occupations are also projected to grow much faster than average, with about 1.9 million openings each year on average.5
A stronger counseling conversation is not just “What does this job do?” but “How is this job changing, and what skills will make a student more adaptable?”
Once students have explored careers, the next helpful step is practicing for the real moments that shape those pathways — including interviews, confidence, and communication.