Worksheet for researching occupations
This technique will help you introduce yourself to people in a field that interests you. Once you have the details of your introduction jotted down for yourself, practice saying it. Rehearsing ahead of time will make it easy for you to approach employers with confidence. Give the recruiter the opportunity to hear about your education, skills, interests, related work experience, and career goals within one minute.
Copy and use this outline when researching different career areas and occupations. The information gathered will assist you in organizing the data needed for informed decision-making.
- Career Field/Occupation
- Nature of the work
- Duties
- Skills
- Activities
- Typical work day
- Working conditions
- Work environment
- Hours
- Work alone or with others
- Type of supervision
- Populations worked with (age, socio-economic level, presenting issues
- Psychological aspects of work setting (stress levels, crisis situations, deadlines, multiple tasks, etc.)
- Qualifications
- Education
- Skills
- Experience
- Personal traits
- Preparation needed for entry into the field
- Academic degree/training, length and cost of education, which schools offer this program and where are they located
- Internships and/or experience
- Opportunities and future outlook
- Occupation workforce size and composition
- Geographic distribution
- Large/small firms
- Security/advancement/related opportunities?
- Economic benefits
- Entry-level/average annual earnings (locally and elsewhere)
- Related benefits (insurance, vacation, sick leave, education)
- Non-economic benefits
- Personal satisfaction factors
- Associated lifestyle
- Psychological rewards
- Disadvantages and/or special situations
- Irregular work hours
- Seasonal work
- Overtime or night work
- Travel
- Hazards
- Other