Researching occupations

Researching organizations and occupations is crucial to finding a good fit for your skills, values, and strengths. This will assist you in narrowing your options and may even bring to your attention occupations you had previously overlooked. You can find information from occupation-related web sites, by conducting informational interviews, or by talking with professors.

• Areas to consider as you research occupations
• Web resources

Areas to consider as you research occupations:

Nature of the work

• Why does the occupation exist? What needs does it serve?
• What are the major duties and responsibilities?
• Are there specializations within the occupation?

Education, experience, and skill required

• What college courses are required or helpful for preparation?
• Are there licensure, certification, or other legal requirements for employment?
• What abilities, skills or aptitudes should a person have to enter the occupation?
• What previous work experience is needed to enter the occupation?
•  What special requirements are necessary or helpful (knowledge of foreign language, computer skills, etc.)?

Earnings, benefits, and working conditions

• What is the average salary range--beginning, middle, and top earnings?
• What benefits are typically offered?
• What are the physical working conditions (office, factory, inside/outside, noise level)?
• What is the average work schedule (hours, time of day or night, overtime)?
• Are there any physical hazards associated with the type of work?

Employment and advancement outlook

• What advancement or promotion opportunities exist?
• How stable is this employment?

Your perception of this occupation

• What do you like about it? (ex. uses skills that you possess, expresses values that are important to you, offers creativity, provides immediate steady income, etc.)
• What do you dislike about it? What does the occupation have in it that you would rather avoid?

Related occupations

• What other occupations are similar to this one?