Researching Careers

Are you trying to find some direction for your career? Perhaps a change in careers? Perhaps your first career? It’s critical, at this stage, to conduct research into various careers that interest you. The more research you do, the more likely a career path will become evident to you. What are the best methods for researching careers?

Trying to research a career can be overwhelming. Are you getting the most accurate up-to-date information? Are your questions being answered? How much research do you need to do?

Here are some good places to start!

1.    Career Development Office C-102

Our office contains a WEALTH of resources most particularly our stellar staff who can provide personalized attention to help you determine direction and the best next steps to take in researching your career. Make an appointment to speak with an advisor and start exploring! Come see us in C102 for an appointment today and follow us on

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KCCCareerSuccess/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KBCCCareer

2.    BLS.GOV

Using information collected directly from the US Census, BLS.GOV is updated every three years. This site contains a myriad of hard data on thousands of potential careers. Some of the information includes: education requirements, salary information and projected job growth of any particular career. This site will assist you in cultivating increased insight around all of the factors that contribute to any one career.

http://www.bls.gov/

3.    O*NET

Similar to BLS.GOV, O*NET allows you to search different careers but also incorporates work values, abilities, and style among other things. This site allows you to break down potential careers by particular areas of your life that are meaningful to you.

https://www.onetonline.org/

4.    Informational Interviews

Sometimes the best sources for information are the people around us. Interested in becoming a nurse but have no idea what it is really like to work as one? Conduct an informational interview. This provides you with the real life experience who has completed all of the requirements from start to finish and is now working in the career that has you curious. Talk to friends, family, co-workers and start making connections to someone who can answer your questions.   Not only is informational interviewing a great way to get in-depth insider knowledge about the current trends within a career, it’s a great way to start networking!

                                                                                                                               ~Kristen Fox