A: For statewide information, the South Carolina Occupational Information System (SCOIS) is one of the best places to begin your research. SCOIS is South Carolina’s computer-based, career information delivery system, providing essential data on careers, salaries, scholarships, education and job opportunities, including military, apprenticeships, post-secondary, trade and vocational programs. Most high schools in Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties subscribe to SCOIS, as well as Job Service offices and One-Stop Career Centers. The One-Stop Career Center for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties is located at Tri-County Technical College. You can also visit the SCOIS website (www.scois.org) and click on Site Locator to find the site closest to you.

Fortunately, some of the best resources for career information are now on the Internet. For national information, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook which offers detailed descriptions of the top 250 jobs in the U.S. economy. The website is www.bls.gov/oco , or you can review a copy in print version at your child’s high school. Look for other Internet sites in the More Links section of this website.

And, don’t forget about your community resources. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce and Job Service office to find out more about economic development and career opportunities in your area. Also, one of the best ways to get information about a career is to talk to someone in the field! Contact some businesses related to your child’s chosen career and ask for an informational interview. During the interview, encourage your child to behave professionally and to have written questions to insure that he gets as much information as possible. Who knows? This interview could lead to a part-time job or an excellent contact for job networking in the future.

Back to the questions