VIA System career clusters

The VIA System career clusters are presented in terms of eight major career clusters, five of which are further divided into professional and skilled level clusters. The structure of the career clusters is based on extensive research into the structure of occupations based on the COPSystem Career Clusters. This organization of career clusters yields the best predictive validity to help individuals find appropriate career goals. Additional information on the theoretical development and validation of the VIA System career clusters may be found in our Technical Manuals.

Science, Professional occupations involve planning, conducting, and applying findings of research to mathematical, medical life, and physical sciences. This cluster is represented in the Science and Mathematics career pathway in STEM careers.

Science, Skilled occupations involve applying findings of laboratory research in the fields of medicine and life and physical sciences. This cluster is represented in the Science and Mathematics career pathway in STEM careers.

Technology, Professional occupations involve engineering and structural design in the manufacture, construction, and/or transportation of products or utilities. This cluster is represented in the Engineering and Technology career pathway in STEM careers.

Technology, Skilled occupations involve working with one's hands in a skilled trade concerned with construction, manufacture, installation, or repair of products in related fields of construction, electronics, and mechanics.

Consumer Economics occupations involve the preparation and packaging of foods and beverages. They also include the production and care of clothing and textile products.

Outdoor occupations involve activities including the growing and tending of plants and animals and the cultivation and gathering of crops and natural resources in the areas of agriculture and nature as in forestry, park service, fishing, and mining.

Business, Professional occupations include positions of high responsibility in organizations, and involve finance and accounting, management, and business promotion. This cluster is represented in the Science and Mathematics career pathway in STEM careers.

Business, Skilled occupations involve sales, promotion, and marketing. They also include financial and organizational activities of businesses regarding the promotion of business.

Clerical occupations involve recording, posting, and filing of business records requiring great attention to detail, accuracy, neatness, orderliness, and speed. They include office work and contact with customers in keeping records.

Communication occupations involve language skill in the creation or interpretation of literature, or in the written and oral communication of knowledge and ideas.

Arts, Professional occupations involve individualized expression of creative or musical talent. They include the fields of design, fine arts, and performing arts.

Arts, Skilled occupations involve application of artistic skill in the fields of photography, graphic arts, and design.

Service, Professional occupations include positions of high responsibility in caring for the personal needs and welfare of others in fields of social service, health, and education. This cluster is represented in the Science and Mathematics career pathway in STEM careers.

Service, Skilled occupations involve providing services to persons and catering to the tastes, desires, and welfare of others in fields of personal service, social and health related services, and protection and transportation.