Help Finding Your Future

When you think about your future career or advancing or changing careers, you probably start with more questions than answers. You’ll probably start the process with some self-exploration and reflection on what you want to do and how you might get there. Maybe you’ll take a career assessment or quiz to figure out what you would like to do for work or might be good at. Then, you’ll probably head off to do some research online to see what’s out there.

What will you find? Likely, a LOT of information. You might even find that there’s too much to digest, conflicting advice, or that you can’t locate the answer you really need.

The good news is, there are trained professionals who can help you steer you in the right direction.

As you do your own research (and thanks to the miracle of digital marketing) you may encounter “career coaches” or other fee-for-service offers to help you find your ideal career. You do not have to pay to get this kind of advice. The State of Idaho and its education and training providers are well-equipped to help you, and there is no cost for assistance from these agencies.

State Agencies

Idaho Department of Labor provides career counseling services, can help you search for and apply for jobs, connect you with job training opportunities and apprenticeships, and has services for veterans and Idahoans with disabilities.

Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state-federal program whose goal is to assist people with disabilities to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.

Idaho Division of Veterans Services, Employment Services division can help you figure out how to transition skills acquired in the military into civilian employment.

Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. If you are a recipient of SNAP (Food Stamps) or cash assistance (TAFI), you have access to the department’s employment and training program, which includes one-on-one career coaching.

Workforce Training Centers

Each center has program coordinators who can help you understand program areas and how the training might help you achieve your career goals.

Colleges, Technical Colleges

Enrollment and academic advisors at 2- and 4-year colleges will help you find the right major or program to prepare you for the career you want and can help you navigate the college application, financial aid, and enrollment processes. Technical colleges also have what’s called transition coordinators for these tasks.