16 Career Clusters Definition, Examples and Quiz Update
– 16 career clusters –
Choosing the best career path is an important decision that involves your skills, educational background and interests.
Knowing the 16 career clusters can help you choose the most appropriate path, which can guide you from your education through retirement.
In this article, we will define the 16 career clusters and discuss how to use them to find your next job.
The 16 Career Clusters
The 16 career clusters are broad groups of careers and industries created by the U.S. Department of Education to organize career and technical education programs. States have adopted them and, in some cases, adapted them for their regional economy.
For example, Texas has an Energy cluster. California calls its clusters “Industry Sectors,” including one called Energy, Environment, and Utilities.
The National Career Clusters Framework, which includes 16 career clusters, is an organizational tool that helps you find the role that suits your skills and interests.
The 16 career clusters include 79 career pathways for you to choose from.
How Are Career Clusters Used?
Rather than focusing on one narrow career path and limiting a student’s potential, considering an entire career cluster can open up possibilities and introduce someone to job roles of which they may have been previously unaware.
For students considering their career options, this can provide a useful way to decide on a career path, along with using other tools such as personality tests and psychometric tests.
Each career cluster has a wide range of jobs within it, all based on similar skills and qualifications.
The 16 Career Clusters and Definitions
1. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
2. Architecture & Construction
3. Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
4. Business Management & Administration
6. Finance
7. Government & Public Administration
10. Human Services
12. Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
13. Manufacturing
14. Marketing
15. Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
16. Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Everything connected to the production of agricultural goods is included in the agriculture, food, and natural resources cluster. Farmers, ranchers, biologists, engineers, and veterinarians are all included.
Also, some Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources employment paths demand a bachelor’s degree in the industry, while others train workers via on-the-job experience.
Because much of the labor is done outside, most individuals who work in this sector like being outside.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Veterinarian
b. Environmental officer
c. Hazardous material handler
Architecture and Construction
People who work in the architecture and construction industry design, build, and maintain houses, industrial buildings, roadways, and bridges.
In the same vein, the educational requirements vary depending on the profession, from carpenter assistant to safety engineers. Most skilled craftsmen, such as carpenters and plumbers, get their education on the job.
Working in this industry requires good arithmetic abilities as well as a love for design, home renovation, and decor. A typical work setting might be an office or your clients’ homes and companies.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Architect
b. Plumber
c. Landscaper
Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications
For creative persons, the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications cluster may be the ideal option. Journalists, actors, dancers, singers, radio announcers, and behind-the-scenes crew members are among them.
However, if you want to be an actor, you might consider studying cinema and media arts or theater and drama.
Additionally, you may enroll in specialized certificate programs to become a sound engineer or a telecommunications technician.
Similarly, a film, television, or recording studio, as well as a theater, may be used as a work setting. The majority of the individuals who work in this cluster have a genuine interest in music, dance, film, or fashion.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Actor
b. Production assistant
c. Photographer
Business, Management and Administration
Business analysts, accountants, HR experts and managers, as well as numerous entry-level occupations such as receptionists, secretaries, and typists, are all part of the Business, Management, and Administration cluster.
A bachelor’s degree is required for most professions in Business, Management, and Administration, and certain accounting positions may additionally need the Certified Public Accountant license.
The normal work setting is an office, and many positions involve direct client contact. People that are interested in this profession cluster generally have excellent communication skills as well as a good understanding of business.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Business development manager
b. Human resources manager
c. Marketing assistant
Education and Training
Teacher, tutor, and instructor jobs are all part of the Education and Training profession cluster. Counselors, school psychologists, and speech-language pathologists work in this field to provide support and direction to pupils.
Teachers at elementary and secondary schools must have a bachelor’s degree as well as a license, while college professors must have a master’s degree. A school or college is a typical work setting.
People with great leadership qualities or who desire to be role models for younger people may be interested in this career cluster.
If you want to work in this industry, you should be passionate about the topic you’ll be teaching.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Preschool teacher
b. Teacher aide
c. School counselor
Finance
Auditor, financial analyst, treasurer, economist, bank worker, debt counselor, or insurance expert are all jobs in the Finance cluster. A bachelor’s degree or specialist certification is required for many of the professions in the Finance career cluster.
Obtaining a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Internal Auditor license, for example, may be beneficial in specific professions.
An office, an accounting firm, or a tax collection agency are typical work environments. Workers in this industry often have great math abilities and can explain complicated ideas to consumers who aren’t in the field.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Bank teller
b. Accountant
c. Financial advisor
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Hospitality and Tourism
Restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, resorts, hotels, and travel agents are all part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster.
A high school diploma or equivalent is frequently all that is required for entry-level employment. However, certain higher-level positions, such as tour guide or travel agent, may need a bachelor’s degree and multilingual skills.
A typical work setting might be anything from a restaurant kitchen to a ticket office, hotel desk, or airport.
People who like eating and don’t mind standing for lengthy periods of time may be interested in careers in pubs and restaurants.
Tourist attraction-related careers are ideal for well-educated individuals with a love for culture, the arts, and travel.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Hotel front desk clerk
b. Restaurant manager
c. Travel agent
Human Services
Psychologists, social workers, and child advocate specialists are all part of the Human Services job cluster, as are hairdressers, manicurists, and cosmetologists.
Counseling and mental health employment paths demand a bachelor’s degree and a license at the very least. Beauty and wellness-related jobs need specific training.
A person who wishes to be a cosmetologist, for example, might take a specialized college course followed by an apprenticeship in a beauty shop.
A hospital, a resort, or a beauty shop might be the employment setting. Workers in this cluster are known for their outstanding interpersonal and listening abilities, as well as their patience and empathy for others.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Psychologist
b. Social worker
c. Hairstylist
Information and Communication Technology
For ambitious developers, web designers, network administrators, and computer support professionals, the Information Technology cluster is the place to be.
Computer science professors, computer forensic experts, and information security analysts are among the other jobs in this cluster.
Many of these occupations need degrees or industry credentials, such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert.
Because technology changes at a rapid rate, persons who work in this industry frequently need ongoing training.
In most cases, the work setting is an office. People with a love for the Internet may be interested in a career in information technology, which includes facilitating online navigation and resolving security concerns.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Computer engineer
b. Software developer
c. Web designer
Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
Citizens are protected by workers in the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster. They’re cops, security guards, lawyers, paralegals, and FBI agents, to name a few.
Attorneys must have a bachelor’s degree, go to law school for three years, and then pass the bar test. A police officer must pass the Law Enforcement Entrance Exam and complete the Police Academy to become a police officer.
A prison, court, or police station may represent the work environment, as can public venues where people must be safeguarded, such as pools, beaches, and playgrounds.
People who are fearless and have a strong desire to defend others may be interested in careers in law, public safety, corrections, and security.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Lawyer
b. Legal assistant
c. Police officer
Manufacturing
People who prefer working with their hands will appreciate the Manufacturing cluster, which includes equipment operators, millwrights, assemblers, and warehousing employees.
These jobs often simply need on-the-job training, however certain paths may necessitate a bachelor’s degree. Workers at factories, for example, oversee factory safety, while others examine the quality of goods and services.
An industrial unit is a typical work setting. Some professionals, however, may repair domestic appliances directly at their clients’ homes. Manufacturing may be a good fit for folks who like DIY projects and have excellent manual abilities.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Manufacturing engineer
b. Production worker
c. Electrician
Marketing, Sales and Service
Salespeople, telemarketers, real estate agents, customer service representatives, market research analysts, and marketing managers are all part of the Marketing, Sales, and Service cluster.
Even though it isn’t needed, a marketing degree might be advantageous. Those interested in working in online marketing should also get the Google Analytics Individual Qualification, Google Ads Certification, and Facebook Blueprint Certification.
An office, a retail shop, or the customer’s home may all be used as a work setting. Those with strong communication abilities may be interested in pursuing a career in this industry.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Sales representative
b. Marketing director
c. Real estate agent
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a group of subjects that includes science, technology
Biologists, engineers, mathematicians, statisticians, chemists, and geoscientists are among the most highly educated employees in this job cluster.
All of the positions need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, as well as a state license for professional engineers.
A laboratory, an industrial facility, or a weather station may all be used as work environments.
People who are interested in this profession cluster generally have a strong interest in science, math, or geography and are eager to continue their education and training.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Technician in a laboratory
b. A data analyst
c. Research assistant
Government and Public Administration
People who assist in the enforcement of the law are included in the Government and Public Administration cluster.
Tax collectors, municipal clerks, military personnel, and customs brokers are among them. Postal service clerks, mail carriers, and aircrew personnel are all included in this group.
Some occupations need a bachelor’s degree, while judges and magistrates both require an advanced degree.
You might also get a Municipal Clerks Certification, a Tax Assessor Certification, or a Customs Broker License, depending on the vocation you choose to pursue.
A typical work setting is a municipal or customs office in a city. People with strong communication skills or a passion for politics may be interested in a career in this cluster.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Financial controller
b. Flight attendant
c. Administrative officer
Health Science
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedics, and healthcare operators make up the Health Science cluster. All professions in Health Science need specialized training.
Nurses must complete nursing school and get a license, while physicians must complete further study, such as obtaining a medical degree.
EMTs are required to complete EMT training and get a national or state certification. Additionally, optometrists must have a state license.
Furthermore, a hospital, private clinic, drugstore retail chain, or patients’ homes might be the work environment. People who are drawn to this cluster seem to have a natural desire to serve others.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Nursing director
c. Dentist
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
The Transit, Distribution, and Logistics cluster operates vehicles and repairs them, as well as working behind the scenes to ensure that public transportation runs smoothly at all times.
Drivers, pilots, train mechanics, parking lot attendants, civil engineers, and transportation planners are among them.
Pilots, railway operators, and truck drivers all need a license, whereas engineering positions necessitate a master’s degree.
A special accreditation is not necessary for rail car repairers, although it might be highly beneficial.
A vehicle repair shop, a train, a bus, or an office might be the work environment. People who like driving or repairing automobiles may be interested in the occupations in this cluster.
Job opportunities in this cluster include:
a. Truck driver
b. Logistics manager
c. Pilot
Quiz Questions and Answers
1. Jobs in the_______ career cluster involve providing services for financial and investment planning, banking insurance, and business financial management.
a. Business
b. Finance
c. Administration
d. Sales
2. Jobs in the __________cluster involve planning, managing, and performing agricultural production, horticulture and landscaping services, and related professional and technical services;
planning, managing, and performing mining and extraction operations; managing and conserving natural resources; and performing related environmental services.
a. Human Services
b. Farming
c. Tourism
d. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
3. Jobs in the _________career cluster involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software multimedia, and systems integration services.
a. Educational Technology
b. Computer Systems
c. Information Technology
d. A/V Technology
4. Jobs in the ______________career cluster involve planning, managing, and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products and related professional and technical support activities, such as production planning and control, maintenance, and manufacturing/process engineering.
a. Engineering
b. Manufacturing
c. Transportation
d. Logistics
5. Jobs in the __________ career cluster involve the planning, management, and movement of people, materials, and goods by road, air, rail, and water, as well as related professional and technical support services such as transportation infrastructure planning and management; logistics services; and mobile equipment and facility maintenance.
a. Transportation
b. Distribution
c. Logistics
d. All of the Above
6. Jobs in the __________ career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing lodging, food, recreation, conventions, and tourism, and related planning and support services such as travel-related services.
a. Training
b. Marketing
c. Sales
d. Hospitality and Tourism
7. Jobs in the ________ career cluster involve designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment.
a. Government
b. Law
c. Architecture and Construction
d. Engineering
8. Jobs in the _______ career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing diagnostic, therapeutic, supportive, and information and research services in health care.
a. Hospitality
b. Science
c. Health Science
d. Human Services
9. Jobs in the _________ career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing scientific research and professional technical services (e.g., physical science, social science, engineering) including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
a. Engineering
b. Mathematics
c. Science Technology
d. All of the Above
10. Jobs in the _______ career cluster involve tending to families and to human needs.
a. Health Science
b. Sociology
c. Hospitality
d. Human Services
11. Jobs in the _________ career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing government legislative, administrative, and regulatory services and related general purpose government services at the federal, state, and local levels.
a. Law
b. Public Safety
c. Government and Public Administration
d. Corrections
12. Jobs in the _________ career cluster involve designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services.
a. Marketing
b. Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications
c. Hospitality and Tourism
13. Jobs in the _______ career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing education and training services, and related learning support services, including assessment and library and information services.
a. Teaching
b. Coaching
d. Principals
14. Jobs in the _______ career cluster involve planning, organizing, directing, performing, and evaluating business functions essential to effective and productive business operations.
a. Sales
b. Marketing
c. Business Management and Administration
d. Finance
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15. Jobs in the ________- career cluster involve planning, managing, and providing judicial, legal, and protective services.
a. Government
b. Public Administration
c. Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
16. Jobs in the ______ career cluster involve planning, managing, and performing wholesaling and retailing services and related marketing and distribution support services including merchandise/product management and promotion.
a. Business
b. Finance
c. Marketing and Sales
17. Which of the following jobs fall under the Manufacturing Career Cluster?
a. Engineer
b. Airline Pilot
c. Machinist
d. Chemist
18. Which of the following jobs fall under the Finance Career Cluster?
a. Human Resource Manager
b. Hotel Manager
c. Attorney
d. Accountant
19. Which of the following jobs fall under the Information Technology Career Cluster?
a. Computer programmer
b. Web Designer
d. All of the above
20. Which of the following jobs fall under the Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications Career Cluster?
a. Actor
b. Journalist
c. Musician
d. All of the Above
Deciding on a career path is a crucial decision that can affect the rest of a person’s life. The 16 career clusters are a great starting point for gaining an overview of the types of work available and how they fit together to create the industries that employ the working population.
We hope this article will help you as an undergraduate determined your career path- share it with your friends and loved ones to be a part of it.
CSN Team.
