Career and Financial Management Researching Careers

Objectives Differentiate between formal and informal research methods Identify sources for obtaining career information List work related experiences that can help explore careers

Exploring Careers To learn about any topic you first need a source Website, book, person, article, magazine Primary source and secondary source

Primary Source A primary source is a person, event, or document from which you get information directly Original documents Creative works Relics or artifacts

Secondary Source A secondary source interprets and analyzes primary sources Publications Hear second-hand

Informal Research Informal Research Conducting Informal Research Initial research Helpful for generating ideas Does not provide complete information Conducting Informal Research Everyday observations Interviews

Formal Research Formal Research Conducting Formal Research Fully developed Formally presented Enough information available for action Conducting Formal Research Look for written reports, speeches, and multimedia presentations Create a log of sources and a summary of findings

Checking Sources When conducting research, the credibility of sources needs to be determined Check information against other sources Check for sources that appear biased Check to ensure information is complete and accurate

The Bottom Line Sources Primary Secondary Research Formal Informal

Sources of Career Information Library Department of Labor Exploratory Interviews School Counselor Internet

Library Career Information Centers Books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, etc. Local newspapers Employment opportunities in the area Ask the librarian for help

Department of Labor Sources U.S. Department of Labor Occupation Outlook Handbook Updated every 2 years Describes type of work, training, and education required Future outlook Guide for Occupational Careers Groups careers into categories Many occupations described within each category

Exploratory Interviews Exploratory Interview: a short informal talk with someone who works in a career that appeals to you Develop questions ahead of time How did you start your career? What does a typical workday look like? What education and training did you need? What do you enjoy about your job?

School Counselor Trained to assist you in researching and exploring careers Locate information regarding: Careers and their educational requirements Colleges and trade/technical schools Government service and recruiting information Local opportunities to explore jobs of interest

Internet Wide arrange of career resources Employment Websites Job Skills Website Career Databases Job postings Local, national, international

Internet Pros & Cons Pros Cons Quick, easy Frustrating Variety of sources Inaccurate information

Website Credibility ONE Look for sites ending in .edu, .gov,.us, and .(state abbreviation) TWO Beware of URLs that contain tildes (~) THREE Check the publishing date FOUR Determine the purpose of the site FIVE Check out the contact information and resources SIX Decide of the site is describing facts or the author’s opinion SEVEN Did the article answer all of your questions

Exploratory Interview Sources of Career Information The Bottom Line Library Exploratory Interview Books Sources of Career Information Internet

Learning from Experience Best way to learn about a career is to work Part-time work Gain experience Make personal contacts Earn money Students should only work part-time if their schedule allows it

Temp Work Temp Work: short-term employment Agencies place employees Can last a few days to indefinitely PROS Cons Develop job skills Limited/No benefits Experience different work environments No job security Develop contacts for permanent employment

Work Experience Programs Vocational Education Cooperative Programs Job Shadowing Volunteer Work Internships Service Learning

Work Experience Programs Vocational Education Programs: learn job skills and earn high school credit for working Cooperative Program: local businesses team up with schools Hire students to perform jobs that use knowledge and skills taught in the classroom

Work Experience Programs Job Shadowing: following a worker on the job for a few days Learn about a career through observation

Work Experience Programs Volunteer work: not paid for work, but gain valuable experience Hospitals, parks, and museums

Work Experience Programs Internship: short-term job or work project that usually requires a formal commitment Paid or unpaid Learn vital job skills Can lead to full-time employment Service Learning: programs that connect academic work with community service Explore classroom knowledge through experience and community work

The Bottom Line Job Shadowing Volunteer Work Cooperative Programs Internships Work Experience Vocational Education Service Learning