career research

Importance of Career Research

  • Understanding the significance of conducting career research for potential career paths.

    • Involvement in research is crucial at different stages of one's career, whether early in studies or considering advancement opportunities.

    • Knowledge and information serve as power in navigating career decisions.

  • The value of knowing the intricacies of a specific industry.

    • Increased awareness of career options leads to better preparation for pursuing desired industries.

    • This preparation includes marketing oneself effectively for chosen career paths.

Stages of Career Research

  • Different stages may reflect varying levels of clarity in career plans.

    • Some individuals have clear objectives, while others may feel uncertain.

    • Regardless of certainty, thorough research is essential for informed decisions about career paths.

  • Emphasizes that career research benefits everyone, regardless of their career stage.

Tools and Resources for Career Research

  • Introduction to important tools for career research assignment.

    • Highlighted resource is the university platform Handshake.

Handshake Resource

  • Purpose

    • Central hub for career events and internships.

  • Account Creation

    • Students encouraged to create an account on Handshake (website: auburn.joinhandshake.com).

    • After creating an account, access to job listings and internship opportunities tailored to interests.

  • Overview of Resources in Handshake

    • Users can explore various resources available through the platform.

CareerShift as a Key Tool

  • Description

    • CareerShift allows students to search for jobs and create contacts.

    • Enables users to follow companies to stay updated on opportunities.

  • Company Search Feature

    • Example: Searching for publishing companies reveals multiple opportunities.

    • Users can click on a company to access details, including job openings, company description, and competitors.

    • Features that allow saving and following companies and contacts.

    • Provides a platform for networking and exploring diverse career paths.

Additional Resources

  • Emphasized other tools available via Handshake.

    • O*NET (Occupational Information Network)

    • Comprehensive database providing detailed job information including tasks, skills, credentials, employment trends.

  • Bureau of Labor Statistics

    • Provides insights into job trends and information useful for understanding labor markets.

Vault and Major Exploration

  • Vault Resource

    • Valuable tool for examining careers related to specific majors.

    • Allows users to identify potential career paths related to their field of study.

  • Example Career Exploration

    • Specific exploration of a history major:

    • Displays typical career paths, common employers, strategies for job searching, associated professional associations, and the employment outlook.

Career Research Assignment Overview

  • Assignment Introduction

    • Students are required to complete a career research assignment within the given week.

    • Resources covered in this session are part of the assignment.

  • Assignment Structure

    • Students will choose three different careers of interest.

    • Utilize resources highlighted in the session, including Handshake tools, CareerShift, O*NET, Vault, and Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Questions for the Assignment

  • Students will answer specific questions regarding each of the selected careers:

    • What are the key responsibilities associated with the career?

    • What skills are necessary for success in this field?

    • What does the job market look like for this career path?

    • What are the future trends regarding job availability?

  • Goal

    • To provide students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding about the chosen careers to prepare for future endeavors in those fields.