For students or anyone who is interested in exploring careers, the Oregon Career Information System is one of the most helpful resources I have ever used. Although the database focuses on Oregon schools and programs of study, the user can expand their search to includes schools throughout the United States. It's a highly interactive site and what I have found is that the more you use it, the more you find with each new search. One of the most valuable aspects of the database is that it covers not only the two and four year schools, but also those institutions that offer short-term study programs or certificates for various occupations. Included in the detailed information:

• Overviews of individual occupations with details on specific work activities, common work activities, working conditions, physical demands, skills and abilities, knowledge, interests, preparation, helpful high school courses, hiring practices, wages, employment and outlook, advancement, and further resources. It then allows you to search schools that offer programs of study in that occupation.



• The program section addresses program admission, graduate admissions, typical course work, things to know, and other resources. The schools offering those programs are listed by geographical region in Oregon (or you can choose an out-of-state location) and then give detailed information about the school, student body, costs, financial aid, admissions, academics, student life, housing, student services, and career services. Website links are also given.



• If you aren't sure about a particular job title but are interested in a specific field of work like health care or business, the clusters index lists appropriate occupations within a variety of fields.



• The financial aid section is extremely useful in that it allows you to narrow your search to certain types of financial help like scholarships, grants and loans. The scholarship list is very detailed and there is a section specifically for Oregon residents.


• The exploration tools section is helpful in that it lets the user sort through various areas such as occupation, undergraduate or graduate schools, financial aid and one of the most interesting tools, the Reality Check which gives a very realistic picture of how much money you will need to live and which occupation will may for those needs.

Check it out!