Yet, many people never actually make a career decision. Career choices are made "along the way." Temporary employment like a summer job might evolve into a full-time position after high school or college. Maybe family or friends know about a few career options and push toward those careers.

Your career choice can have a huge impact on shaping your future. It's a decision that deserves some time and effort.

And, lucky for you . . . the TechQuest site and CD are here to help.

• You've heard about the future opportunities in technology-related careers?
• Maybe you think a career in computers is not for you?
• However, . . .

The tech-related opportunities of the future go beyond the computer desktop. Sure, there are a lot of opportunities in the Information Technology field, including some that you wouldn't consider traditional "computer jobs". There are also technology-related career opportunities in Arts & Design, Biotechnology & Chemistry, Engineering & Industrial Technology, Health & Medicine, and New Manufacturing.

With the growth of technology-based fields comes the need for general business support services. So even if you're not directly employed by a technology-based company maybe you'll be an accountant, lawyer, real estate agent, public relations specialist, publisher, lobbyist or consultant who supports the business efforts of technology companies.

Visit the AES Career Center to take a self-assessment that uses various well-known tests to assess your interests, skills, values and personality. Once you know where your talents and interests lay you can take advantage of the Career Matching Assistant (CMA) on the AES site. The CMA uses information provided by the U.S. Department of Labor to match your abilities with careers, based on the job requirements.

Then come back to this site to investigate the links, facts, and terms for careers that interest you.