State Education Department Launches Paths to the Professions Website

The State Education Department today launched the Paths to the Professions website, a new site aimed at highlighting careers in the licensed professions. The website is a comprehensive tool that offers students, parents and educators an opportunity to learn more about obtaining a professional license.

“Many students graduate high school undecided about what their next step to start a career should be,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “The Paths to the Professions website allows students to explore careers that match closely with their strengths and interests, helping to make the transition from school to a career in the licensed professions as seamless as possible.” 

“For students across the state, the school year has just started but whether you just started the school year or are someone thinking about a new career, it’s never too early to explore your options,” State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia said. “By introducing students and educators to careers in the licensed professions, the Paths to the Professions website provides a road map to careers in the licensed professions.”

The Department’s Office of the Professions, under the direction of the Board of Regents, licenses over 50 professions and oversees nearly 900,000 active professionals.  Designed to give students and job seekers a sneak peek at these professions, the new website features insightful profiles for each of the licensed professions. Each profession’s profile highlights what practitioners do, valuable skills and interests that match up with the profession, license requirements, and more. In addition, many profiles offer a video overview of the profession.

Students will have access to explore over 50 professions or select a category of interest:

• Health Sciences
• Human Services
• Business
• Design and STEM

In addition, students can find careers that match their interests using the “My Next Move” tool. Building on the O*NET® Interest Profiler from the U.S. Department of Labor, My Next Move suggests specific licensed professions that best fit a student’s personality profile.

In addition to licensed professions, the website provides access to a selection of career development programs that offer mentoring, scholarships, experiential learning, and curricular materials.

Questions, comments, and suggestions may be sent to paths2profs@nysed.gov