One of the best ways to explore a career option is to try it. There are several ways to get hands-on experience in an occupation, educational program or industry without making a major commitment.

Trying out an occupation lets you observe, ask questions, learn skills and experience values, interests, abilities, traits and conditions in the workplace.

Get started with these strategies

Learning about your interests

• Take evening courses.
• Work with a mentor.
• Travel to find out if an option is a good fit.

Working and job shadowing

• Check out a job from the inside.

Volunteering

• Helping others helps you gain experience.

Be ready to try…

Before you volunteer, job shadow or enrol in a course, do your homework:

• Research the occupation.
• Find out about the industry.
• Check out the organization.