INVESTIGATING YOUR CAREER OPTIONS

 

 

Once you’ve identified some career areas in which you are interested, learn what you can about them.

 

 

READ:

• Pick up the Occupational Outlook Handbook available in most local college/university career centers to learn more about educational requirements, wages, advancement opportunities, and the work involved in doing the job. 
• There is a wealth of knowledge on the internet.  Just make sure that you check the sources and ensure that they are credible.

 

TALK TO PEOPLE:

• Find someone who is working in your field of interest and ask them questions about their work.  Most people would be glad to share their experience with you.
• Can’t find someone in the field?  Talk to your guidance counselors or family, neighbors or friends to find someone who they could connect you with who would be willing to talk with you.
• Connect with a professional on CareerZing.com and ask them questions about what they do.

 

 

GET FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE:

• Take a related course offered in your school to learn more about your field of interest.
• Get involved in an extra-curricular activity that gives you exposure to the field.
• Volunteer at a business or in an activity related to the field.  If you’re interested in nursing, volunteer at a hospital.  If you’re interested in building, volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.
• Get a part-time job in a business related to your field of interest.

 

 

 

 

Source: Options for the High School Graduate, Woodburn Press, by Linda O’Brien

& C. Horner of Horner Solutions