ahscm4	Mrs. Ray
Dare County Alternative School	North Carolina Career Management
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Career Management

Unit 4: Researching A Career

This is it. This is where you research a career that matches your interests. This will take what you have learned to date and then you will research it in further depth as well as bring together all you have learned.

1. Start your research paper

Research paper guidelines: 1. Your research package will include a cover letter, your resume, and your sample job application.

2. Your paper will be:

a. three to five pages in length (no larger that 14 font size) with margins of 1 inch on all sides but 1.5" on the left side. The top margin on page 1 will be two inches. See me if you have questions about the proper page setup for your report.

b. It will include:

*1. The nature of the work, specifically what you do on a typical work day.

*2. The working conditions as we have discussed in class.

*3. Skills or aptitudes needed.

*4. Education and training required, including specific coursework, training, experience and degrees.

*5. Where you can receive your education such as type of school or specific school where you can prepare for this field.

*6. State and/or federal requirements such as degrees, certificates, licenses, needed to practice in this field.

*7. Technical aspects such as computers, instruments or technology commonly used and how it is used.

*8. Job availability/future prospects: How easy is it to find or get a job in this field? Is there more demand in one location than another? How great is the demand for this job predicted to be in the future?

*9. Salary range: What would an entry level person expect to earn? What might someone with years of experience and a high level of responsibility earn? What is the median salary?

*10. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this career field.

*11. What professional organizations should you join?

c. Complete a 2-3 page interview with someone who is in the career field you are exploring or someone who is knowledgeable about it. A good choice might be the person you shadow if you get that opportunity. At the top of the interview page, introduce your subject: give their name, explain where and when you conducted the interview. Then write up your interview in a question-answer format. Your questions should focus on finding out how this person became interested in this field, how and where they trained for it, their personal observations about the job and job satisfaction, and the drawbacks of the profession.

d. A one to two page personal statement that does the following:

*1. Explain why this field attracts you.

*2. Trace the history of your interest in this field.

*3. Tell why you feel your particular interests and aptitudes suit you for this line of work.

*4. Tell what steps you intend to follow after graduation in order to break into this field.

These are all due on May 21!

1. Section 4.02-3

2. Go to Non-Traditional Careers to determine if a non-traditional career is right for you.

3. Complete page 389 - 390 Personal Career Priorities.

1. Questions 4.02

4. Go to Non-Traditional Careers to determine if a non-traditional career is right for you.

5. Complete page 389 - 390 Personal Career Priorities.