Section 3.2 What to Research Back to Table of Contents

Key questions to ask while researching careers WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Key questions to ask while researching careers Important characteristics that make up a career profile

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Asking the right questions about jobs that interest you will make your career search more productive.

KEY TERMS work environment flextime benefits

Values When you research a career, ask yourself if your values match the values that will help you in that career. continued

Values What do you really care about? What do people in that career really care about? Justice? Art? Money? Health? Fame?

Tasks and Responsibilities Find out what you will be doing at work each day by asking these questions: What specific tasks do workers in this career perform? Are the workdays repetitive or full of new experiences? continued

Tasks and Responsibilities Is the pace easy, or is the career a high-pressure one? Is the work primarily physical or mental?

Working with Data-People-Things Many careers involve working with data and people and things. Dental hygienists, for example, work with all three.

Data Dental hygienists use data—information learned in training, along with personal knowledge of patients’ dental histories.

People Dental hygienists spend most of their days working with people. A hygienist with a friendly manner will help patients feel comfortable.

Things Dental hygienists also work with things—the tools used to clean teeth. Hygienists use dental tools carefully and keep all equipment organized and sanitary.

Work Environment Because you’ll spend about 40 hours a week at work, be sure to carefully consider your work environment. Your work environment, your physical and social surroundings at work, can affect your well-being.

Work Environment Visualize your ideal work environment. As you research careers, try to find those that match your ideal.

Working Hours Not all careers are 9-to-5 careers. Are you a night owl or a morning person?

Working Hours With flextime, workers construct their schedules to suit their lives. Many employers that offer flextime require workers to be on-site during certain core hours.

Working Hours Some people telecommute. Telecommuters work at home and communicate with clients and colleagues by phone, fax, and computer.

Aptitudes and Abilities Find out which aptitudes and abilities are needed for each career. Match your natural talents with careers that require those same abilities.

Education and Training Careers demand different kinds of training such as a two-year associate degree, four-year bachelor’s degree, or technical or business school license or certificate.

Education and Training How much time and effort will it take to get the necessary education and training for the careers that interest you?

CAREER CHECKLIST Imagine yourself in a variety of different careers. Identify a Career Path… Imagine yourself in a variety of different careers. Make your own personal satisfaction a priority. Be realistic about job requirements and necessary skills. continued

CAREER CHECKLIST Have confidence in your own abilities and talents. Identify a Career Path… Have confidence in your own abilities and talents. Keep an open mind about careers that seem difficult or require a lot of education or training. Base career decisions on your interests, not a high salary or others’ expectations.

Salary and Benefits Occupational directories often include information on what jobs pay. They list an hourly rate or a weekly or annual salary, as well as ranges based on national averages.

Salary and Benefits Benefits may include: health insurance, paid vacation and holiday time, retirement plan, regular bonuses, continued

Salary and Benefits employee discounts, and low-interest loans on homes and autos.

Career Outlook Examine what your career area will be like in ten years. Formal research can tell you about industry prospects and help you make important career decisions.

International Career Outlook With growth in the global economy, more and more careers involve working internationally. You can find international jobs using library resources and the Internet.

Finding the Right Career Graphic Organizer 3.2 Finding the Right Career WHO AM I? Aptitude and Abilities Data - People -Things WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? WHAT DO I WANT? Work Environment Working Hours Salary and Benefits Career Outlook International Outlook WHAT DOES THE JOB REQUIRE? Education and Training Tasks and Responsibilities Chapter 3 • Researching Careers Succeeding in the World of Work

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension What aspects of the work environment are important when evaluating a potential career? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Comprehension Why should you consider a career’s outlook? continued

Key Concept Checkpoint SECTION 3.2 REVIEW Key Concept Checkpoint Critical Thinking What are some skills, abilities, or personality traits that would be important for a person interested in working abroad?

End of Section 3.2 What to Research Back to Table of Contents