Careers by State is an independent educational project created to help students, families, and adult learners explore realistic college and career options beyond the traditional four-year degree path.
Our focus is on clear, practical pathways — including certificates, community college programs, apprenticeships, and short-term training — that connect education decisions to real jobs in local and regional labor markets.
Career planning can feel overwhelming. Many people struggle to understand:
what careers are actually available
how long training really takes
which options are affordable
how education connects to employment
Careers by State organizes career and training information by state, making it easier to explore options that are relevant, realistic, and locally available.
Each state edition follows a consistent, easy-to-understand structure so users can focus on making informed decisions — not sorting through confusing or generic information.
Careers by State is designed for:
High school students planning next steps after graduation
Parents and families seeking practical, cost-conscious options
Adult learners and career changers
Homeschool families
Educators and counselors looking for supplemental career exploration resources
Illinois is our first featured state.
The Illinois Edition highlights:
Major career industries
Plain-language job descriptions
Typical education and training timelines
How technology and AI are affecting careers
Links to trusted Illinois education and workforce resources
Additional states will be added over time using the same clear, consistent framework.
Careers by State is a project of Next Step Education Services, an independent educational resource provider focused on helping individuals and families make informed college and career decisions.
Next Step Education Services develops:
State-specific career guides
Online resource hubs
Practical tools for career exploration and planning
All content on this site and in related publications is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
Careers by State and Next Step Education Services are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any government agency, school district, employer, or training provider.
Education programs, requirements, costs, and availability may change, and readers are encouraged to verify details directly with official sources.
© 2026 Next Step Education Services