This edition of eJournal USA rambles down the many varied paths that Americans take on their way to find their life's work. Professionals in various fields explain how they got there, and some wrong turns they made along the way. Experts describe how young people can weigh and explore the options before them.
A renowned life-planning expert gives advice on how to look at yourself to identify your skills and strengths.
An expert explains different cultural views of life and career planning.
An interview with television host Mike Rowe of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs who discusses the value of dirty work and the qualities of the people who do it.
New technologies and economic restructuring have created a different environment for career selection and job-hunting.
Participants in Americorps, the national youth service program, discover skills and gain experience that help them choose a career path.
The nongovernmental organization College Summit is working in 10 states to give promising secondary school students a boost into college.
An outdoors writer describes how nature called him to a career.
Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C., is a family business that has been passed to a second generation dedicated to customers and community.
A former White House chef explains his love for the hospitality industry.
A videogame producer describes how he came to the dream job he didn't know he wanted.
A member of the U.S. Congress recalls her experience in Volunteers in Service to America in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
A female firefighter left a career as an electronics engineer to take up work in emergency services.
A veteran of College Summit recalls the experience.
A physician-novelist explains why she must pursue two careers.
Books, articles, Web sites, and films on choosing a career.
This site delivers information about current U.S. foreign policy and about American life and culture. It is produced by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. Links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.