Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed September 2026 as Career Exploration and Workforce Readiness Month, recognizing the importance of helping North Carolinians explore their options, understand their strengths, and connect education and training to opportunities in the workforce. Whether you are a student, job seeker, educator, or workforce professional, September is a good time to take a closer look at where you’re headed.
Why career exploration matters
Career exploration is about learning what is possible. It can help you discover occupations you may not have considered, understand what different careers require, and identify the education, training, and skills needed to reach your goals.
People often change careers multiple times throughout their working life. Interests evolve, industries grow or contract, and new occupations emerge as North Carolina’s economy grows. Taking time to explore your options, whether you are choosing a first career path or considering a change, helps you make more informed decisions about your education, training, and next steps.
Exploring with NCcareers means working with objective information about North Carolina’s job market. You can look up what an occupation pays across the state, see which occupations are projected to grow, find out what education or training people in that field typically need, and check Star Jobs ratings to see which occupations combine strong wages with steady hiring demand. You don’t have to make career decisions based solely on data, but this information can help you move from “What could I do?” to “What steps do I need to take?”
What workforce readiness looks like
Workforce readiness means understanding your strengths, developing the skills employers value, and knowing how to communicate your abilities. North Carolina was named the Top State for Workforce Development by Site Selection Magazine in 2026, reflecting the state’s investment in connecting education, training, and workforce opportunities.
NCcareers is part of that effort. This free, statewide resource connects users to current job openings through NCWorks and supports the goals of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships by helping North Carolinians learn about industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Make September a time to explore
Career exploration doesn’t have to start with a big decision. It can start with a conversation, an assessment, learning about an occupation you haven’t considered, or discovering what education and training options are available.
Find some time this September to explore your interests, learn about your options, and take a step toward your future with NCcareers.