The Career Planning Process

Researching careers includes obtaining an insider’s perspective about the career field you are considering. Conducting Informational Interviews either in person, phone, or by email will provide valuable information about what it is actually like working in a particular career. Professionals enjoy sharing their expertise with people interested in learning more about their field. Perform informational interviews with alumni from your college to gain their perspective of the field and to listen to what they have to say. This strategy provides first hand knowledge from someone currently working in the field and gives you an opportunity to ask about their experiences as well as potential jobs and what one might expect if just entering the field.

Gain experience through internships or by job shadowing for one to several days to see what a typical work day entails and to gain perspective of what the environment is like and the typical job responsibilities. Research what types of jobs are availabe in your area of interest by checking out Majors to Career Converter, The Occupational Outlook Handbook and The Career Guide to Industries. The Occupational Outlook Handbook offers a wealth of information for those currently just entering the job market and for those anticipating making a career change.