The Career Resource Library houses information on current career exploration/development materials, organization and graduate school directories, prospective employer vacancy listings, including businesses, governmental organizations, social agencies, and school districts.

Registration materials for standardized tests such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT, reflecting dates and test locations, are made available at the Career Services Office.

Research and Career Development
   Occupation/Industry and Employers
   Information Interview

There are a number of ways to research or explore different occupations and industries, most of which are explained in detail in other sections of this booklet. Career assessment tools (page 5) help you understand what skills you have and in which jobs they are especially valuable. Mentoring relationships (page 6) can teach you a great deal about the professional world. Job Shadowing gives insight in the day-to-day realities of a particular occupation and industry. Internships allow more in-depth, hands-on exploration of a career. Also consider joining professional or trade associations and reading related journals and publications to gain a better understanding of what a particular job and/or industry is all about. Don’t forget to ask for special student membership rates! There is a national guide to professional and trade associations available for use in the Career Services library.

It’s critical that you research a company or organization before you apply for a job or go to an interview. You can’t walk into an employer’s office and ask "What is this job all about and how do I fit into your scheme?" Employers expect YOU to know who they are, what they do, what the job entails, and how you fit into the company structure and culture BEFORE you come in.

It is easier than you may think to research a prospective employer. A popular avenue of research, primarily because of convenience and speed, is the World Wide Web. This is a network that includes everybody: companies, colleges and universities, professional associations, government agencies, etc. Most websites offer good background information, as well as documents such as annual reports and current press releases.

Use an employer’s homepage to identify key pieces of information. Read any mission statements or descriptions of services to see how the organization describes itself. Look at anything that says "New" or "What’s New." This will offer insight about developing areas and new projects. Look over the whole site: what does the design of these pages tell you about this organization?

Electronic journals can be research tools that help you recognize industry trends. Through reading articles, you may find names of possible contacts as well. Remember to check regularly for new issues.

Newsgroups also offer quite a bit of information. You may find networking contacts, industry trends, current information, and better job listings. If you hope to develop contacts, you must actively participate in the group so you can develop relationships.

The Internet cannot be the only research tool you use. The Career Services library, the College library and any public library all have current resources to help you as you prepare for your job search and/or an interview. If you need assistance, see a career counselor or librarian for guidance and suggestions.

Don’t forget: You must continue to utilize all contacts, information resources, and services available to you for the most effective and efficient search for employment. Continue to attend meetings, pick up the telephone and call people, and use the reference books in the library.

One of the best ways to gather information about a particular job, field or industry is to talk to people who currently work in that job, field or industry. Most people are more than willing to spare a few minutes to help a student or new professional by sharing their work experiences. Take the initiative to contact several professionals and request a telephone or face-to-face information interview.

This type of "research" can also be classified as NETWORKING! Career professionals and recruiters agree that networking is one of the most effective job search methods. After you have made contact (in person or on the phone) with a professional in the field in which you want to work, follow up with him/her on a regular basis. Send a thank you note after your initial meeting or conversation and include a few copies of your résumé. Keep your eyes open for information that might be helpful to him/her: maybe you read an article in a journal that pertains to a current dilemma faced by his/her organization. Send a copy with a friendly note. Networking can provide valuable returns and many unforeseen opportunities!

QUESTIONS TO ASK IN AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW 

• What does a typical day consist of?
• What do you like/dislike about your work?
• What skills and personal qualities are necessary for this position?
• What was most valuable to you in preparing for this position?
• What were you least prepared for?
• What is your best piece of advice for someone considering this position?

• What has been the major achievement of this organization?
• What trends do you foresee for this organization?
• What is the company’s corporate culture like?
• Who are your major competitors?

• What is the growth potential in this field for the next five years?
• What journals or magazines should I read?
• What professional organizations/associations do you recommend?
• Who else would you suggest that I speak with?

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