5: Researching Careers
Researching careers will help you answer the question “what’s out there?” in Step 3 of the career exploration process. This research will provide you with information and resources to better understand the world of work and where you fit into that world. This part of the text will require online research and self-discipline to navigate several career resources. Engaging in career research allows you to outline your career ideas and organize your career exploration process.
As you research career information and examine specific occupations, make note of tasks, work environments, skills, job outlook, necessary training and salary information. Analyze and connect this occupational information with the results you gathered earlier regarding your interests, skills, personality, values and strengths. Start asking yourself “Where do I see myself fitting in within the world of work?” As you research career information, you also need to research industry expectations. This research entails looking at the job market for open job announcements and learning what the minimum qualifications are for employment. The more you know about industry expectations, the more you can prepare yourself to meet those demands and expectations. In addition to the expectations of specific industries and occupations, you also want to keep in mind workplace trends and changes which will be covered in “The Workplace” chapter.
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