Section 3.1 Exploring Careers Back to Table of Contents

Methods for researching careers formally and informally WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Methods for researching careers formally and informally How part-time work experience can help you explore career choices

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Exploring careers will help you find the employment options that best match your interests, values, and personal needs.

exploratory interview cooperative program job shadowing internship KEY TERMS Internet job services exploratory interview cooperative program job shadowing internship service learning

Research—It’s Right Before Your Very Eyes You can discover what the world of work has to offer by simply keeping your eyes and ears open.

Informal Career Research Talk to people you know about their career experience. Just ask a few basic questions. What was your favorite job? What was your least favorite job? continued

Informal Career Research What was your most unusual job? How do you like your current job?

Libraries—Check Them Out Many libraries have job information centers or career centers.

Libraries—Check Them Out Look for these useful resources at the library: Dictionary of Occupational Titles Occupational Outlook Handbook Guide for Occupational Exploration continued

Libraries—Check Them Out Reader’s Guide to Periodical Literature Occupational Outlook Quarterly

Internet Job Services The World Wide Web offers a wide range of Internet job services designed for job recruitment and career research.

Internet Job Services Most Web sites list job opportunities in different industries according to title, key duties, location, and other criteria.

Exploratory Interviews Ask your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, and counselors to help you build a list of people who work in careers that you find interesting.

Exploratory Interviews After doing some initial research into a career, call the person and arrange an exploratory interview. An exploratory interview is a short, informal talk with someone who works in a career that appeals to you.

Exploratory Interviews Ask questions such as these: How did you start your career? What education and training does this career require? What do you like about your job? What do you do on a typical day at your job?

Part-Time Work The most direct way to learn about a career is to work. If your schedule allows it, working part-time will enable you to observe a career from the inside.

Work Experience Programs You may be able to find a part-time job through a vocational educational program. Such programs give you a chance to learn job skills while you are still in high school.

Job Shadowing Job shadowing involves following a worker for a few days on the job. Job shadowing helps you learn the ropes by watching and listening.

Volunteering and Internships Volunteers don’t usually receive a salary, but they are paid in valuable experience.

Volunteering and Internships An internship is a more formal position that helps you learn job skills. Internships require a longer-term commitment than volunteering does.

Volunteering and Internships Service learning is offered by many communities and schools. In such programs, community service—for example, cleaning up a neighborhood —becomes part of your schoolwork.

Sources of Career Ideas Graphic Organizer 3.1 Sources of Career Ideas PEOPLE WORK READING Family Friends Teachers Counselors Neighbors Jobs Internships Volunteering Cooperative Education Job Shadowing Books Magazines Newspapers Internet Chapter 3 • Researching Careers Succeeding in the World of Work

ETHICS in Action Ethical Attitudes You and a classmate are volunteering at a local nursing home together as a service learning activity. However, your classmate often arrives late and leaves early, and she frequently works on her homework instead of spending time with the residents. continued

ETHICS in Action Ethical Attitudes THINK ABOUT IT Her excuse is that she doesn’t need to work hard because she is not getting paid. THINK ABOUT IT What is your response to your classmate’s attitude? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension Why are talking to people and using media resources called informal methods of researching jobs? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension What kinds of career information can you find in libraries and on the Internet? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension What are some benefits of doing unpaid part-time work? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.1 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Critical Thinking Why is it important to consider several career options, even if you’re sure of your career choice?

End of Section 3.1 Exploring Careers Back to Table of Contents