Part 3 - Career Planning

Chapter 14 Researching Careers

Career Research Sources There are many resources with information on careers, but it is up to you to take advantage of them and do the research.  Career research sources available include: 

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Libraries. Career information guides. The Internet. Guidance counselors. Career conferences. Informal interviews and personal observations.

Libraries Local and school libraries are important sources of career information.  There are books, brochures, magazines, Web sites, DVDs, CDs, and other sources of information on every aspect of careers.  If you do not find the information you are looking for, ask a librarian for help. 

Career Information Guides 

The U.S. Department of Labor provides the following career information guides, which are also available online. 

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Occupational Outlook Handbook – describes the

training and education needed, expected earnings, working conditions, and future job prospects for various occupations. Career Guide to Industries – provides information on careers and links to information about each state’s job market. It can also be used as a companion with the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

The Internet 

Government Web sites are good sources to explore as you research careers: 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration – offers information and

related Web sites for career exploration and planning.  The Occupational Information Network (O*NET™) – identifies and describes key components of modern occupations.  Career Voyages – explores career clusters and emerging industries.  CareerOneStop – explores the outlook and trends for all types of careers. continued

The Internet Other Internet sites for career research can be located by using the search term careers.  Many companies have their own Web sites with career information and job postings. 

One-Stop Career Centers 

One-Stop Career Centers: Centers that

coordinate government employment offices at local, state, and national levels to provide a wide range of employment, education, and training services.  You can locate the center nearest you by visiting Web sites such as America’s Service Locator.

Guidance Counselors Guidance counselors are a vital source for career information.  Many counselors maintain files of information about different careers and their educational requirements.  A guidance counselor can help you consider career options that relate to your abilities and personal goals. 

Career Conferences Many schools have career days when interested students can speak to representatives from different professions and schools.  These events are often sponsored by a local community college or chamber of commerce. 

Informal Interviews and Personal Observations Another way to gain career information is to have informal interviews, discussions for seeking advice, with workers in careers that interest you.  Speaking with workers will give you insight into their occupations.  You can also learn about careers by personal observation—do any of the jobs you see people doing on a daily basis interest you? 

Evaluating Careers 

When you evaluate careers, be able to answer the following questions:     

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What education is required? What hours will I be working? What conditions will I be working in? How much will I be paid? Will this fit my lifestyle and goals?

Answering these questions will help you find a more satisfying and rewarding occupation.

Educational Requirements One of the most important considerations in evaluating careers is education.  You may already be learning skills for an occupation, but most jobs require further training after high school.  Outlets for further training include: 

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Occupational training. Apprenticeships. A college education. Armed Forces.

Occupational Training 

Occupational Training:

Prepares you for a job in a specific field.  This training may be through occupational schools, skill centers, community colleges, company training programs, and correspondence or online programs.  Transfer: The acceptance of credit by one school of courses taught at another school.

Apprenticeships An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training and related classroom instruction for a specific trade.  Registered apprenticeship: An advanced training program for a highly skilled occupation that operates under standards approved by the Office of Apprenticeship, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor.  A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is the general requirement for entering an apprenticeship. 

A College Education Professional occupations in certain fields often require a one- or twoyear technical program or a four-year college education.  Carefully select a college that has a strong reputation for the field in which you wish to train. 

Armed Forces

The branches of the Armed Forces have excellent training programs in a large variety of fields.  Training received in these fields can be used in civilian careers as well as in military careers. 

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Armed Forces 

Advantages: Little or no cost to the student.  Paid vacations.  Paid health care programs.  Free housing.  Opportunities for travel and advancement. 

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Disadvantages: More disciplined than civilian life.  Orders to follow.  Contract of three, four, or six years. 

Work Hours A major consideration in your career evaluations is the number of hours you work and the time of day or night you work.  Most employees work 40 hours a week.  Some occupations require people to work irregular hours, while other occupations are seasonal. 

Work Conditions Work conditions are important when selecting a career.  Questions to ask yourself: 

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What working conditions are most comfortable to you? Do you mind dust, dirt, noise, heat, cold, lifting, climbing, and crawling? Would you prefer to be inside, warm, quiet, clean, and generally secure in your setting?

The Pay: Starting and Potential Pay is an important aspect to consider, but it should not be the only basis for selecting a career.  The starting salary is important; however, the potential for salary increases is also a major consideration in evaluating careers.  Fringe benefits: Financial extras in addition to the regular paycheck, such as medical and life insurance coverage, paid vacations, bonuses, and retirement plans. 

Personal Lifestyle and Goals Your present and future lifestyle and goals will influence your evaluations of careers.  Discussing marriage and career goals with your spouse is important. 

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Personal Lifestyle and Goals 

Dual-career family: A

family in which both spouses have careers outside the home.  It can be difficult caring for a family and home when a couple works.  The demands of a dualcareer family can cause physical and emotional strains.