Job Exploration Counseling can include a variety of activities to help people explore and reach their career goals. Rehabilitation career counselors work with people with disabilities to explore their interests and abilities, short- and long-term career goals, jobs available in the local economy, and issues related to disability and employment.
Why is it Needed?
Job Exploration Counseling fosters motivation and helps people explore opportunities so they can make informed decisions about the future. Developing career awareness helps people decide on a career path and learn about the skills and requirements needed to be successful in that field.
How Does it Work?
Job Exploration Counseling might include discussions and information on the following:
Counseling on all or some of these topics can help a person identify career options and develop a plan to achieve employment goals.
Tips for Success
The job seeker should not be limited due to a disability. Interest inventories are a powerful tool and can be used as a starting point for job exploration.
How Can I Access Services?
You can learn more about accessing services in your community by contacting Project E3’s Technical Assistance Center.

Want to know more about how this employment strategy can be incorporated into your work? Check out these resources:

Featured Training

Strategy Use in Targeted Communities
Watch webcasts, get presentation materials, and earn 1 CRC.
Several Project E3 Communities identified Job Exploration as a strategy to improve employment outcomes for their most underserved populations. They include:

Best Practices / Research
Project E3’s research summaries provide an “At-a-Glance” overview the latest research findings, as well as recommendations for best practices and how to incorporate them in your work.

Selected Research and Resources
- Job Exploration Counseling Resources from Project E3’s Resource Library
- Research on Job Exploration Counseling from Project E3’s Research Library
- Want to talk with others about Job Exploration Counseling? Join Project E3’s Community of Practice!