Researching Careers Chapter 3 12/7/2018

Research Been there, done that Talk to people you know about their career experiences. Just ask a few basic questions. What was your favorite job? What was your least favorite job? What was your most unusual job? How do you like your current job? U.S. Department of Education Career Clusters (p. 51) – Helpful when selecting classes for next year 12/7/2018

Formal Research Libraries – Check them out Books Dictionary of Occupational Titles Describes more than 20,000 jobs The Occupational Outlook Handbook Updated every 2 years, describes the type of work, training & education required, and the future outlook for many careers The Guide for Occupational Exploration Groups careers into categories 12/7/2018

Additional Print Resources The Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature An index of magazine articles. Use it to find stories about career trends. The Occupational Outlook Quarterly Published by the Department of Labor, provides up-to-date information on employment trends Job listings in your local newspaper Many labor organizations & industry service groups produce videos of workers in action 12/7/2018

Internet Job Services Websites, newsgroups, & bulletin boards created by trade organizations, companies, & individuals – all designed for job recruitment & career research I.e. Monster.com Career info services offered by Govt. O*Net (online version of Occupational Outlook Handbook) 12/7/2018

Exploratory Interviews Talk with people who have a career that interests you. Try to arrange an exploratory interview (short, informal talk with someone in the career that appeals to you) Sample questions: How did you start your career? What education & training did it require? What do you like about your job? What do you do on a typical day? 12/7/2018

Part-Time Work Most direct way to learn about the career Gain experience, make personal contacts, & make money at the same time 12/7/2018

Work-Experience Programs A chance to learn job skills while still in school Allows you to earn class credit and a grade (Co-Op) 12/7/2018

Job Shadowing Following a worker for a few days on the job Internships More formal position that usually requires a longer-term commitment than simply volunteering. 12/7/2018

What information should you get? Values Tasks & responsibilities Working with data-people-things Work environment Working hours Aptitudes & abilities Education & training Salary & benefits Career outlook International career outlook 4. Your physical & social surroundings at work 5. Flextime – some careers allow you to construct your work schedule around your lives. 8. Benefits – health insurance, paid vacation & holiday time, and a retirement plan 12/7/2018