Workforce Preparation
& Starting a Business
Whether entering the workforce directly after high school or opening a business, students must develop career-ready skills. Learn how to find a job and make it a career, providing essential resources and actionable steps to transition from high school to the workforce or start a business.
Career Compass >
Use the Delaware Department of Labor’s step-by-step guide for career planning to learn more about yourself and your goals.
CareerOneStop >
Get insights into career information and tools with this resource for job seekers and students.
Job Market One-Pager >
Get a snapshot of the current job market in Delaware and the fastest-growing jobs and wages.
Transition to Workforce Checklist >
Your guide to a successful transition to the workforce.
Career Connection >
Goodwill’s free, comprehensive career platform can provide help with everything from resume polishing to interview prep.
Delaware Libraries >
Delaware Libraries Job and Career Assistance have free 30-minute meetings with an employment/career advisor to discuss questions about career needs. Advisors can also assist with:
American Job Centers >
Local American Job Centers provide resources such as job search assistance and career counseling for future or recent graduates. Centers are located in Dover, Georgetown, Newark, and Wilmington.
Job vs. career: Investing in your future
A job is a short-term position using basic skills to earn money. A career is a long-term position that combines multiple skills, jobs, experiences, and education to earn a livable wage. Careers offer longer-term stability, benefits such as health insurance and retirement, and a set salary.
Short-term training programs can take as little time as attending a single workshop or be as long as earning an associate’s degree and can include workshops, a single course, a series of courses, or a certificate program.
Examples include:
• workshop on social media strategy
• a course on accounting principles
• a series of courses on computer networking
• a certificate such as a commercial driver’s license or clinical medical assistant
• an associate’s degree in physical therapy assistance.
Tuition Programs: Some companies will help pay for you to continue your education through a short-term program or college degree. This allows you to continue to work while you are in school. Ask your employer if they have any tuition assistance programs.
Business schools in Delaware are privately owned, offering specialized skills training for careers that typically require licensure. These schools are often associated with programs in business, trades, or other specialized skills training. Each school typically focuses on a specific career field such as:
• auto mechanics
• barbering
• coding
• construction
• cosmetology
• information technology
• nursing
• real estate, and more.
Many programs include a business component, providing training if you want to own your own business.
All business schools must be approved through the Delaware Department of Education, you can find a list of approved business schools here.
Cosmetology/Barbering Schools >
Delaware Food Works >
The Food Bank of Delaware offers workforce training programs in food service and warehousing.
Real Estate >
Learn about becoming a Realtor in Delaware from the Delaware Association of Realtors.
Zip Code Wilmington >
Offers affordable and accessible training in software development and data engineering.
Wilmington University’s Debt-free program >
Chipotle, Target, Waste Management, Lowe’s, and more, provide debt-free degrees to their employees.
How to prepare for a job? 
Résumé
Take the time to create a great résumé. It will be a record of your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, volunteerism and work experiences since you started high school. You can use the resources below to help:
Interviews >
Practice your interview skills! Schedule mock interviews with your advisory team or teachers. Take their feedback and continue to practice.
Cover Letter >
Write a one-page letter to introduce yourself to the employer, highlight your relevant skills and experience and explain why you’re a good fit for the role.
LinkedIn >
Use this social networking site that helps users connect with employers, employees, and other professionals in their field.
Pocket Interview and Resume Guide >
Check out the Delaware Department of Labor’s handy guide that helps you be prepared for success.
Benefits >
Learn about the different types of benefits that an employer may provide you.
Be cautious of job scams and ensure opportunities are legitimate.
How do I find a job?
Use search
engines
Search for Delaware State Jobs or Federal Jobs (state and federal jobs provide good salaries, benefits and sometimes a pension).
Search for jobs in Delaware using Delaware JobLink or CareerOneStop.
Attend a job
or career fair
Do you need help putting together a resume, practicing for an interview or finding the best career match? Want to chat with local employers about job opportunities? Click to view a schedule of job fairs, workshops, and training opportunities near you.
Networking
Does a family member or classmate work at a job that interests you? Ask if the company has a referral program. People like to work with people they like.
Financial coaching support
Stand By Me offers Delaware residents free financial coaching from trained, skilled professionals. Students entering the workforce should schedule an appointment to create a plan to balance their income and expenses.
Entrepreneurship
How do I start a business?
Opening your own business, often referred to as self-employment or entrepreneurship, is a pathway that can allow you to take control of your professional journey and create something uniquely your own. Entrepreneurship not only fosters innovation but also contributes to the economy and the community by creating jobs and providing services. Starting your own successful business can be challenging, but you can take steps to help make it a little easier:
Entrepreneurial education gives you the tools and mindset to turn your ideas into successful businesses. Through hands-on experiences, you learn critical skills such as problem-solving, financial management, leadership and strategic planning. These experiences not only prepare you to start your own business but also equip you with the skills to help it be successful.
Here’s a look at the entrepreneurial education programs available in Delaware:
Delaware Technical and Community College:
Offers two programs and students may be eligible to attend for free through the SEED+ Scholarship >
Entrepreneurship Certificate Program >
Provides foundational skills in entrepreneurship, focusing on practical aspects of starting and running a small business. Designed for quick completion, making it ideal for those looking to gain essential business skills in a short time.
Associate Degree in Entrepreneurship >
This two-year degree program offers a more comprehensive study of entrepreneurship, combining general education courses with specialized business courses.
University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship Program >
Renowned for its innovative approach, this program encourages students to develop entrepreneurial mindsets and skills through experiential learning. Offers programs including minors in entrepreneurship, a major in entrepreneurship and technology innovation, and opportunities for students across all disciplines to engage in entrepreneurial activities.
Delaware State University’s Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED) >
Focuses on providing entrepreneurial education and support, particularly for minority and underserved communities. Offerings include training programs, a commercial kitchen incubator, and the “The Garage,” an innovation and maker space.
Goldey-Beacom College’s Entrepreneurship Major >
A comprehensive four-year degree in entrepreneurship, providing students with the skills needed to launch and manage new ventures. Combines core business courses with specialized entrepreneurship courses, including venture creation, innovation management, and strategic entrepreneurship.
Wilmington University’s Certificate Program in Entrepreneurship/Small Business >
A program designed for individuals who wish to gain entrepreneurial skills quickly, focusing on small business management.
Financial Aid
If you need help in paying for entrepreneurial education, check out our Delaware Scholarship Compendium, which has over 300 scholarships for Delaware residents to help pay for degrees and certificates. Learn more about funding your education here.
Connect with local organizations and programs supporting Delaware entrepreneurs 
Delaware One Stop >
A comprehensive guide to opening a business in Delaware, from business planning to licensing.
Delaware’s Business First Steps >
Provides mentorship and support to help entrepreneurs harness their ideas, develop business plans, and navigate the licensing process.
Delaware Center for Enterprise Development (DCED) >
Educates and supports both current and aspiring entrepreneurs through various training programs and one-on-one assistance. Check out the “The Garage,” an innovation and maker space in the business college at Delaware State University for students, faculty, and local community members.
Stand By Me Minority Small Business Program >
Designed to help minority entrepreneurs improve and sustain their businesses, ensuring long-term success and community impact.
Small Business Development Center >
Offers 1-on-1 advising, training programs, and professional consulting help small businesses grow and succeed.
Delaware Division of Small Business >
A state agency that helps small businesses navigate government processes, access capital, and connect with resources.
Benefits of Entrepreneurship
Autonomy
The freedom to make your own decisions and shape your business.
Innovation
The opportunity to bring new ideas to life and address unmet needs.
Economic Impact
The potential to create jobs and contribute to local economic growth.
Community Engagement
Building a business that reflects and serves the values and needs of your community.
Additional resources to explore and learn more about entrepreneurship
Whether you’re looking to start a small local business or dream of launching a global enterprise, these resources in Delaware can help turn your entrepreneurial aspirations into reality.
10 Steps to Start Your Own Business >
8 Skills You Need to Be a Successful Entrepreneur >
Questions Entrepreneurs Must Answer >
