Career Services Center - St. Cloud State University

Career Research Tools

How many times will you change careers in your lifetime? If you're like most people, you'll change careers at least several times over the course of your life. How successful you'll be in making transitions among careers can at least be partially attributed to the amount of career research and preparation you've done.

Take the time to step away from the day-to-day grind and spend quality time reflecting on your career and developing some plans for your future.

It's critical to conduct research into various careers that interest you. The more research you do, the more likely a career path will become evident to you. What are the best methods for researching careers?

Career research involves a set of linked activities that shape and influence the entire career development of an individual. Career research involves leveraging a mix of online and offline resources. Career research opens up newer avenues and shapes the personal and professional growth of an individual. The importance of career research in today's highly competitive job environment cannot be overstated.

If you want to maximize the chances of finding a career in which you will thrive, and which will be grateful to have you, you need to do some research.

Tools

• SCSU Graduate Employment Information
• Salaries & Relocation
• Career Services Resource Center Books and Handouts for Career Research

Web Resources

Occupational Outlook Handbook - www.bls.gov/oco - The definitive source of occupational information in the United States.

ISEEK - A comprehensive site for exploring careers and educational choices in Minnesota

Positively MN - Department of Employment and Economic Development

NACE Job Web - Links to career planning and research sites

ONET - Comprehensive information on attributes and characteristics of most occupations.

www.insidecareerinfo.com/ - this is a searchable collection of hundreds of candid career reports written by "insiders," who are actually doing the job.

www.citytowninfo.com/employment - Each career has its own profile page, including info on the profession in hundreds of local metropolitan areas. Most career pages also have photographs and even a video describing the career path.

Career Services Resource Center Books and Handouts for Career Research

Handouts

• Conducting an Informational Interview (pdf)
• What is a Job Shadow? (pdf)

Career Services Center Research Book Lists

• Business (pdf)
• Education (pdf)
• Health & Human Services (pdf)
• Liberal Arts (pdf)
• Public Affairs (pdf)
• Science & Engineering (pdf)
• Career & Undergraduate Preparation (pdf) - Books, directories and resource guides on many different career areas and majors
• Careers for... Series (pdf) - Book series exploring careers in relation to your interests and personality