Ch 4: Researching Career Options
About This Chapter
Researching Career Options: Chapter Summary
When it comes to finding a career that's right for you, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Luckily, our guidance counselors are here to show you some resources useful for exploring your options and getting hands-on experience. You can also find out what to do should you decide to change careers. Lessons cover the following:
Getting Hands-On Experience
Learn steps you can take to find out what a career actually entails. Our guidance counselors show you how to locate internships and set up job shadowing opportunities or informational interviews with professionals already working in your field of choice. We'll also explain how to use each of these opportunities to speak with new and long term employees and get a better sense of whether or not this is the career for you.
Exploring Job Openings
You probably already have some idea as to the sheer multitude of career websites out there, but we'll help you investigate some of the more popular avenues for conducting an online job search. Learn about government websites useful for exploring training requirements, career outlooks and salary info as well as social media sites that can match you to potential employers. We'll also show you how to make the most of career fairs and ensure the companies you're interested in wind up with a copy of your resume.
Changing Careers
Should you discover the career you've been preparing for isn't a good fit, there's no need to panic. If you're still in college, we'll show you how to change career paths without spending a ton of time and money taking extra classes. Our counselors are also here to help you figure out why your first career choice didn't pan out, so you can use this information to pick a better one.
If you're a career-changer who's been in the workforce for a while, we've got tips for transforming your current talents into new job opportunities. You can also find out how to balance your home and family responsibilities with the work it'll take to get a fresh start.
1. Online Career Research Tools
In finding the best career, the use of online career research tools can help narrow down options and make the choice easier. Explore more about online career research tools, including career assessments, career outlook, and networking with online communities.
2. How to Make the Most of a Career Fair
A career fair, commonly referred to as a job fair, is an opportunity for potential employers and employees to connect. This lesson explores what a potential employee can do to make the most of the opportunity of a career fair.
3. How to Find Out if Your Field of Interest is a Match for You
Choosing the appropriate field is an important step to establish a successful career. Learn about career fields and how to find out if your field of interest is a match for you. Understand the steps in exploring careers, such as job shadowing, and review how to get an internship to help find a suitable career field.
4. How to Maximize Your Internship's Career Potential
Thinking about what you will do after your internship and the opportunities that you will make for yourself while completing it is important. Learn how to maximize your internship's career potential.
5. Informational Interviews and Job Shadowing: Learning About Careers
Informational interviews and job shadowing can help a person decide on a career. Learn more about them and what should be asked when encountering these scenarios, as well as further job information.
6. What If You Change Your Mind? - Smart Ways to Choose a New Career
Changing your mind and choosing a new career involves assessing your skills and researching careers that match those skills. Explore majors and careers, assessment options, and what to do next.
7. Changing Careers: Using Your Talents in a New Way
Changing careers can help you lead a more fulfilling life and allow you use your talents in a new way, but it can be an overwhelming process. Learn the difference between a career and job, and explore how to make and execute a plan for changing careers.
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Other Chapters
Other chapters within the How to Choose a Career: Guidance Counseling course