Goals: Identify sources of career information. 4.2 Explore Careers Goals: Identify sources of career information.

Key Terms: Job Career Career connection Explore Careers Key Terms: Job Career Career connection

Job vs. Career What is the difference between a job and a career? A job is the set of tasks you accomplish as you work. A career is an occupation to which you have made a long term commitment. (If you don’t intend to stay in that employment field for a large part of your life than it is a job, not a career.)

Private Sources of Career Information Non-Internet Options: Guidance Counselors Librarian/Libraries Local Bookstores Local newspapers can help you identify businesses and organizations that offer entry- level jobs you might be qualified to accept.

Private Employment Agencies Private employment agencies are businesses that are run to earn a profit by matching your existing skills with the needs of employers. Be careful, there can be fees involved that you might have to pay.

Career Connections What is a career connection and how can they help you? A career connection is the meeting you have with someone who works in your career of choice. If offered the opportunity to shadow or observe that person at work for a day – GO FOR IT!

Be an Intern Many colleges and high schools sponsor internships programs that place students in jobs to give them experience in careers that interest them. Many students have been offered employment by firms they worked for as interns!

Volunteer Another useful way to investigate a career is to volunteer or seek a job that supports people who work in that field.

Federal Government Sources of Information Publications: Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH)- describes about 250 occupations that can be used to identify general fields of interest to investigate further. Occupational Information Network (O*NET)- a comprehensive online database of job characteristics, skills, and knowledge required for most jobs. Occupational Outlook Quarterly or Monthly Labor Review- are two federal publications that provide specific information about careers.

Private Sources of Career Information Internet Options: Career Overview is a non-commercial website dedicated to providing aspiring career professionals and students with relevant, reliable and up-to-date career and job information. Mapping Your Future is an organization that maintains a web site that furnishes extensive advice for job seekers. The Sloan Career Cornerstone Center is a nonprofit resource center for those exploring career paths in science, technology, engineering mathematics, computing and medicine. Internet search keyword: “career information”