Exploring Careers with CareerOneStop

By Paige Marley, Employment and Training Consultant, Youth and Young Adults

Figuring out your career path can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. The CareerOneStop - GetMyFuture portal is a free, youth-focused resource packed with tools that make exploring careers, finding jobs, and planning your future way easier. Whether you're still in high school, recently graduated, or exploring new opportunities, here’s how GetMyFuture can support your journey.

What Makes CareerOneStop So Helpful?

  1. Career Exploration for Every Interest: You can take interest assessments, browse career profiles, and learn what different jobs actually involve. It’s a great way to discover careers you may have never heard about and to see how your strengths connect to real opportunities.

  2. Education and Training Information: Thinking about college, apprenticeships, or job training programs? GetMyFuture breaks down your options and helps you find programs near you, including those that are free or offer financial support.

  3. Job Search Made Simple: The portal includes job search tools like resume guides, interviewing tips, and job listings. It’s designed to help young adults build confidence and navigate the job application process step by step.

  4. Support for Life’s Real Challenges: Sometimes you need more than career info; maybe you need help with housing, transportation, mental health resources, or financial guidance. The site offers local support services that can help you stay on track and feel supported.

  5. All Free, No Login Required: Everything on GetMyFuture is fully accessible without creating an account, making it easy to use on your phone, at school, or at a youth center. But if you do want to create an account, it’s free and it will save all your information and progress.

Tips for Making the Most of the CareerOneStop - GetMyFuture Portal

  • Start with the career assessments; they’re quick and make the rest of your exploration easier.

  • Bookmark a few career profiles you find interesting so you can compare things like expected salary, required training, and job outlook.

  • Use the resume-builder tools. They can help you showcase work experience, school projects, sports, volunteer work, and skills you might not realize employers want.

  • Check the “local help” section for support programs in your community. These can make a huge difference if you're facing barriers to employment.

  • Visit regularly; your interests may change, and GetMyFuture updates its resources often.

Your career journey is unique, and it's totally okay if you’re still figuring out what you want to do. CareerOneStop’s GetMyFuture portal is there to help you explore, plan, and take confident steps toward your future, all at your own pace.

After you explore GetMyFuture, don’t stop there, Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) is ready to support you in taking your next step. Whether you need help building a resume, practicing interviews, job searching, or accessing training programs, our team is here for you. Reach out to us to get personalized guidance and real opportunities that match your goals. Your future is full of possibilities, and we’re excited to help you get there!