Career Research

STANDARD: 2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. (TN Writing)

TSW identify the importance of researching a career or job before entering the workforce OBJECTIVE:

How to Make an Informed Career Decision  Evaluate your interests  Where do you want to be in 10 years  Make Goals  Goals are the end result of something a person intends to acquire, achieve, do, reach, or accomplish sometime in the near or distant future  Short-term goals are accomplished within one year  Long-term goals are accomplished in more then one year

Career vs. Job  What is the difference between a job and a career?  Career  A commitment to a profession which requires continued training and offers a clear path for occupational growth  Example: Educator  Job  An employment position obtained mainly to earn money  Example: Gas Station Attendant

Job Opportunities  Pick a career path with job opportunities in the future  Three main factors influencing future job opportunities 1. Population 2. Labor force 3. Demand for goods and services

Factors  Population affects the size of the labor force  Affects the quantity of goods produced  Demand for goods and services determines employment within industries

Education training Professiona l degrees Take the longest amount of time and varies depending on the profession Doctorate degrees 4-6 years beyond undergraduate degrees in college Masters degree 2 years beyond undergraduate degrees in college Bachelors degree 4 years beyond high school Associates degree 2 years beyond high school

Largest Numerical Increases in Occupations Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook – Tomorrow’s Jobs December 2005 Optometrists Physicians and surgeons Lawyers Pharmacists Chiropractors Professional Degrees Postsecondary teachers Computer and information scientists, research Chemistry and biophysics Pharmacists Clinical, counseling Doctorate Degree

Largest Numerical Increases in Occupations Physical therapist Educational, vocational and school counselors Substance abuse counselor Occupational therapy Master’s Degrees School teachers Accountant and auditors Computer software engineers Bachelor’s Degree

Largest Numerical Increases in Occupations Dental hygienists Physical therapy assistant Paralegals and legal assistants Associate’s Degrees Nursing aids and orderlies Hairdresser and cosmetologists Emergency medical technicians Post Secondary Vocational Award

Largest Numerical Increases in Occupations Gaming managers Construction and building inspectors First line supervisors/managers (food, retail) Work experience in related occupations Carpenters Cooks Electricians Fire fighting Long Term On- the-Job Training (more than 12 months)

Largest Numerical Increases in Occupations Truck drivers Dental assistants Medical assistants Customer service representatives Moderate Term On-the Job Training (1 to 12 months) Retail salesperson Waiters and waitresses Home health aides Personal and home care aides Short Term On- the-Job Training (0 to 1 month)

Why???  Before making a career decision ask your self these questions  Does this job accent my personality?  Do I get to use my set of skills?  Will this be something I can do every day?  Will I feel fulfilled and satisfied with myself?

Researching a Career  Questions that you should ask:  Are there opportunities for advancement?  What are the educational requirements?  Does it pay enough?  What are the working conditions?  What type of education will be required?

Let’s Research!  The Bureau of Labor Statistics:  Occupational Outlook Handbook   Spend the next five minutes looking through the different occupations that you might be interested in. When I call time, select one occupation that you want to do further research on.