Career Planning Step 2: Explore and Research Careers

Once you’ve narrowed your career search options, it’s time to research a particular industry or occupation. Research can help you learn about the daily tasks involved, educational background and qualifications required, working conditions, and outlook for employment in each field. Taking the time to research different careers will enable you to make better decisions when applying for internships or jobs. The following list details the many ways to gather information about a particular field.

OCC programs

Attending a program on-campus or participating in an off-campus site visit is an easy way to begin your career exploration. Read the Sarah Lawrence College Daily Email or visit the Office of Career Counseling events calendar to see when different programs are offered.

Informational interviewing

Informational interviewing is a formal conversation between someone who wants to learn about a specific field and someone who is a professional working in that field. This is an excellent way to answer your many questions, get a glimpse into a career field, and gather current information which may not be available in printed or online materials.  

The purpose of the interview is not to ask for a job, but to help you better decide whether a particular career field or position is right for you. Informational interviews can also provide excellent networking opportunities and important personal contacts. In general, experienced professionals will be flattered by your interest and happy to talk to you about their career experience.

Whom do you interview?

Identify people who can be helpful to you—those who are active and knowledgeable in the career field you’re researching. These most likely will include people from your network contacts.

Also, ask people you know if they are acquainted with anyone in your field of interest who might be willing to talk to you. If they cannot put you in touch with their contact, ask if you can use their name as a reference for the employer. If you do not have a reference, let the employer know why you would like to speak and interview with him/her specifically. It is helpful to examine all of your options and interview with professionals from several industries of interest.   

Arrange an interview

Contact your potential contact by mail or email. Make it clear that you are asking for career information and guidance—not a job—and politely request approximately 30 minutes of their time. If it is impractical for you to meet in person, you may want to suggest a phone interview.

Prepare for the interview

RESEARCH: Learn about the field, the organization, and the person you will be interviewing.

PREPARE: List the questions you want to ask, including some that you know will be interesting for the interviewee to answer.

PRACTICE: Interview people for information whenever you get a chance, formally or informally. It's fun. You'll find that people really like to talk about themselves and their work.

EXPRESS: In the interview, remember to demonstrate that you are interested in the interviewee's work. Listen attentively, and show enthusiasm and appreciation. Also, be aware of non-verbal cues.

Even though you are not interviewing for a job, it is important to treat the interview as a serious and professional meeting. You should come appropriately dressed, properly prepared, and ready to listen as well as talk. The most important things to remember about the informational interview are that you are looking for career information, guidance, and career contacts. Keep in mind that you are not asking for a job, although the person contacted will know that obtaining employment is your goal. Review a list of sample informational interview questions (PDF).

Follow-Up

Before you leave, make sure to obtain the names and numbers of other potential contacts. You may also leave a copy of your résumé if it seems appropriate. After the interview, send a thank-you note immediately. Try to be specific about how the conversation was valuable to you. As you continue your career search and your list of contacts expands, make sure to keep in touch with your earlier contacts.

Online career exploration

Explore various career industries, occupational titles, and employment trends via the following sites:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Industry Profiles
  Explore a variety of occupations, organized by industry.
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
  Search by job title: Information on training, earning, prospects, working conditions, and daily responsibilities of hundreds of professions.
• Glassdoor
  Glassdoor.com provides an inside look at company interview questions, salaries, and reviews for thousands of companies.
• O*Net Occupational Information Network
  The O*NET system serves as a primary source for occupational information, and provides comprehensive information on key attributes and characteristics of workers and occupations.
• Spotlight on Careers
  Spotlight on Careers is a site offered to students of a consortium with over thirty selective schools. The website is a great place to start to learn more about aspects of different careers including information about jobs, internships and graduate schools. Contact the occ@sarahlawrence.edu for a username and password.
• Vault
  Vault is a great online tool for searching internships throughout the county. Make sure to check out the downloadable guides. Contact the occ@sarahlawrence.edu for a username and password.

Additional online resources for exploring careers

• The Career Project
• CareerOneStop
• The Internet Public Library
• Job Star Central
• MyPlan.com
• The Riley Guide
• WetFeet

Next Step

Now that you’ve gained insight into your career field of interest, you’re ready for Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials.