Student Info & Guide

Exploring the 16 career clusters and knowing what occupation options are out there

by StudyMalaysia.com on November 17, 2021 | Top Stories, Career Guide

Exploring the 16 career clusters and knowing what occupation options are out there - StudyMalaysia.com

What are the ‘16 career clusters’?

The 16 career clusters are a grouping of jobs and industries into 16 clusters or categories. Each of the 16 career clusters represents a group of jobs and industries that are related by similar knowledge, skills, or products. Each cluster may contain hundreds of different careers. Developed by the US Department of Education, it is used as a tool to help students with career planning.


Here are the 16 career clusters:

  • Career Cluster 1: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
  • Career Cluster 2: Architecture and Construction
  • Career Cluster 3: Arts, A/V Technology and Communications
  • Career Cluster 4: Business, Management and Administration
  • Career Cluster 5: Education and Training
  • Career Cluster 6: Finance
  • Career Cluster 7: Government and Public Administration
  • Career Cluster 8: Health Science
  • Career Cluster 9: Hospitality and Tourism
  • Career Cluster 10: Human Services
  • Career Cluster 11: Information Technology
  • Career Cluster 12: Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
  • Career Cluster 13: Manufacturing
  • Career Cluster 14: Marketing
  • Career Cluster 15: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Career Cluster
  • Career Cluster 16: Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

How can you make use of career clusters to find a job?

  1. Each career cluster identifies the knowledge and skills you need to follow once you have chosen a particular pathway.
  2. Career clusters also provide a context for exploring the many occupational options available. Each cluster comprises a group of related occupations. Click here for the list of occupations under each cluster. With so many occupational options to choose from, the 16 career clusters can be an effective way to introduce various jobs to students like you and help you narrow down your career options according to your area of interest.
  3. By identifying the career cluster(s) that are a good fit for you and your interests, you can compare the career options that appeal to you and consider the possibilities available to you. Next, you can proceed to explore the academic qualifications, technical skills or industry certification you need in order to pursue your dream career.

To explore your clusters - via myCareer Test

To explore the clusters you are interested in and to know what occupations are out there, click here for myCareer self-directed interest survey exercise.

Reference: myCAREER Handbook(series 3), published by STUDYMALAYSIA

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