Choose Your Road

Photo of roadtripper happily looking into the distance

Get started in South Carolina!

Stories and advice to help you find your version of success

How do you find work that aligns with who you are, and helps you support your vision for yourself, your family, and your future? Have you ever wondered which major industries are growing right here in South Carolina? We’ve interviewed several South Carolinians who work in our thriving industry sectors, along with some national statistics, to help you plan for the road ahead.

Through their stories and advice, you’ll see how your unique skills and experiences—combined with the right training and education—can lead you to possibilities right here in South Carolina.

Let's start at step one: What are you interested in?

Pick out an industry that sounds interesting to you—then drill down to discover one of the many related career opportunities right here in South Carolina. Please note all stats pulled from O-NET about job growth and salary are national rather than state-based.

Explore career paths in the manufacturing industry

South Carolina is chock full of manufacturing careers. If you'd like to build products and work on machines of all shapes and sizes, consider a career in this ever-growing industry!

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Roadtrip Nation has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Hear career stories from local professionals who've been in your shoes

From getting past obstacles to navigating new opportunities, these career stories are full of advice to help you plan your own path forward in South Carolina.

I teach courses in the forestry and environmental conservation department and am also a published author.

J. Drew Lanham, Ecologist, Birder, & Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Clemson University

I created a nonprofit organization that connects families to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bonita Clemons, Executive Director, Dianne’s Call

I work on the F-16 aircraft production line.

Bradley Victor, Structural Technician, Lockheed Martin

I use geospatial data to create apps, beautiful maps, and meaningful data visualizations.

Emma Paz, Geospatial App Developer, Blue Raster

I lay out our programs focused on drug development for a variety for diseases.

Thomas Kaiser, Chief Science Officer, Avicenna Biosciences, Inc.

I drive the sustainability strategy across all product platforms and regions for a global packaging company.

Elizabeth Rhue, Vice President of Global Sustainability, Sonoco

K-12 Resources

Not sure what you want to do once you graduate high school? Check out these resources to hear about exciting jobs you can explore right here in South Carolina.

South Carolina Department of Education - Career & Technical Education

Get hands-on and pragmatic education for in-demand skills like agriculture, manufacturing, STEM, and more.

SCETV

Watch and listen to educational content about all sorts of South Carolina careers here!

South Carolina Future Makers

Eager to explore manufacturing careers? Head here to find opportunities suitable to your skills.

College and University Resources

Heading to college soon? We'll help you make the right choices to set you up for success!

South Carolina Commission on Higher Education

Thinking about college? Learn more about everything you need to prepare for, apply to, and pay for higher education!

South Carolina State Technical College System

There's a technical college just for you in South Carolina. Head here to find it!

Clemson University, New & Beginning Farmer Program

Explore careers in farming by taking advantage of this Clemson U program.

Graduate and Re-Skilling Resources

Thinking about a career shift? Explore continuing education and employment opportunities that'll help you find your fit in South Carolina.

South Carolina Council on Competitiveness

Find where you might fit in the South Carolina tech world, from aerospace to AI and more.

SC Codes

Want to learn to code? Check out these resources!

South Carolina Department of Education - Adult Education

It's never too late to learn! Here are some adult education offerings to take advantage of.

Map out your road with the Build Your Future Activity Guide

This guide will help you (or your classroom!) engage with the stories on this site—and start planning out career goals and dreams.

Download Activity Guide

See what South Carolina has to offer!

Three young people set out across South Carolina to find career paths they can use to take themselves and their home state into the future.

Watch "Leap & Grow"

Meet the people working to bring South Carolina into a bright new future. Follow three young citizens of the state as they explore both legacy industries and exciting emerging opportunities.

Watch the full documentary

Hear how people found their purpose in South Carolina.

Share Your Road

Share Your Road is a community where anyone can share the steps they've taken to build and grow their career—lending advice to the young people and career seekers on the path behind them..

Learn More

Explore your interests and find the career fit for you.

The Roadtrip Nation Experience: An online self-discovery course

A five-lesson course for students and young adults, helping you discover your interests, explore career possibilities, and connect with potential mentors. Educators & facilitators: To implement the Roadtrip Nation Experience with your learners, please reach out to support@roadtripnation.org.

Start Course

Know exactly what you're looking for?

Search for specific careers, educational paths, industries, or topics.

Have more questions?

Get in touch with the SC Council on Competitiveness to set yourself up for success!

This project was created by Roadtrip Nation, a career exploration nonprofit that aims to help everyone define their own roads in life.

Through our award-winning public television show, our bestselling book, and our online tools and resources, we use storytelling to help people explore and choose the paths that work best for them.