Career Exploration

BEST WEBSITES!

Occupational Outlook Handbook (U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

O*Net (U. S. Department of Labor)

CareerOneStop (U. S. Department of Labor)

Use this LIST to see all the research guides.

1. Plan time to peruse, read, and think about a variety of information sources for your paper. Schedule some research time on your daily calendar.

2. Use this guide to find the most reliable sources of information. Basic facts will be easy to find but they need to come from a reliable source. If you don't intend to dig around for the original sources and authors of information you find on Google, then stick with the sources listed on this guide.

3. Use a research guide in your major to find good sources in a field of study, such as business. When you are searching the library databases, look for articles that describe (indirectly) what it's like to work in a particular field. For instance, an article about biomechanics won't talk about a career in biomechanics. You need to read the article for how the researchers came up with the idea, where their funding came from, what degrees they hold, how long the research took, which methods they used, AND whether that sounds like a fascinating research project to you! Remember that, as you research this topic, you are also picking up ideas and vocabulary you'll need for your major.

4. In databases, use good search terms and try different search terms. Suggestions: career, vocational guidance, job skills, employment, interviewing skills, stress, etc.

5. Go to the library and read the print "trade journal" in your field. A trade journal is a "how-to" magazine for people working in that field. You'll get a well-rounded idea of what professionals do by reading a trade journal. Stop at the information desk if you aren't sure which magazines are the trade journals in your field.

Psychology: Counselor and Psychotherapy Networker
Education: Instructor, School Arts, Mathematics Teacher, Reading Today
History: American History, Smithsonian
Exercise Science: Coach and Athletic Director
Music: Strad, Classical Music, Music K-8
Nursing: American Journal of Nursing, Nursing Made Incredibly Easy
Art and Design: Art in America
Business: Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fortune
English and Writing: Poets & Writers

6. Go to the library and skim the career books on reserve.

7. Research information about a particular company or employer that you might like to work for. Look for their official website and then a page about employment or jobs. Look for information about the kinds of people they hire, qualifications desired or preferred, overall financial health of the company, traditional or non-traditional job descriptions, and so on. Information about publically-held companies is available on Lexis-Nexis.