Assignment:
Career Exploration Project (CEP)
* Select one occupation for an in-depthstudy.
* Sources of Information. Use and cite at least 3 different sources from the listbelow.
- Informational interview with a resource person(s). (Stronglyrecommended)*
- Computer-assisted career guidancesystems.
- Reference books, e.g. Occupational OutlookHandbook.
- Employer literature.
- Internet sources (career; employer;industry).
- Governmental reports, Dept. of Labor, JobsCommission.
- Professional associationreports.
- Professional magazines orjournals.
- News reports, e.g. Hospitality Business News, Wall Street Journal,Fortune.
- Professional subscription service - occupationalbriefs.
- Video/audio recordings
- Job announcements (print, electronic,audio).
- Others (e.g., jobshadowing)
* Sections/Topics. Include all of the following 14 section/topics listed below. Follow the outline EXACTLY in the order in which they are listed. Also, refer to page 1 of this syllabus under Formatting for additional information and examples.
1. INTRODUCTION: Provide a brief, basic description of the occupation, such as typical work settings and kind of work done,etc.
2. TYPICAL CAREER PATH: Describe the typical career path for someone in this occupation from entry to the highest-levelposition.
3. TRENDS: Describe how technology, new organizational structure, diversified training, and other management or economic trends are affecting theoccupation.
4. SALARY INFORMATION: Provide salary range information for different types of positions in this occupation; indicate differences for entry level and experienced workers, and if there are geographic differences insalary.
5. SKILLS USED: Describe the skills or abilities typically used by persons in thisoccupation.
6. EMPLOYING ORGANIZATIONS: Explain what kinds of organizations hire persons in this occupation; what industries are involved; are persons self-employed in thisoccupation?
7. BECOMING EMPLOYED: Describe how persons find employment in this occupation; are internships, volunteering, job fairs, faculty referrals, and other means used; how long does a job search last?
8 TYPICAL JOB POSTINGS/NOTICES: Review and describe a typical job posting/employment ad in this occupation that is of personal interest toyou.
9. WORK CONDITIONS: Describe the physical environment, stress level, type of supervision, customer/client contact, hours, work-related travel,etc.
10. EDUCATION/TRAINING: Describe the majors or fields of study related to preparation for working in the occupation. Are any certification programs available and/orrequired?
11. AFFILIATIONS: Specify professional or union organizational memberships typically held by persons in this occupation; are the organizations international, national, regional, state,local?
12. OUTLOOK: Describe the current and projected job openings in the occupation, regional influences, industry changes,etc.
13. LIFESTYLE IMPACT: Discuss how working in this occupation affects family roles, marriage, leisure options, andvacations.
14. CONCLUSION. Write a summary or review of your general findings and conclusions as a result of your research. Address at least the followingquestions:
- How do your personal values match-up with what's required of someone doing the work you looked at?
- Does your current skill set meet the requirements for this occupation - which (if any) skills will you need to develop/improve and how will you accomplishthis?
- How does your personality seem to fit with the requirements of the occupation(s) you researched?
- Compare your "ideal job description" to all that you've compiled about the occupation you explored - is there a potential "fit"here?
- Given all these questions -- what will you want/need to donext?
*Informational Interview (as a Source of Information)
An informational interview with a resource person(s) is a primary source of information that can be very useful to you as your explore your career/occupation interests. It is strongly recommended that you conduct an informational interview and incorporate it into your paper. To incorporate the interview into your paper, you should include in the body of your paper relevant descriptions or quotes from the interview, cite the interview under the references page of your paper, and include as an attachment to your paper a copy of the interview questions.
Interview Tips
- Be sure to contact the interviewee in advance to schedule a time for theinterview.
- Interviews can be conducted in-person, by phone (land-lines are best; if you use a cell phone be sure you have good reception and a charged battery), or viae-mail.
o If you interview in person, arrive on time and end the interview at the pre-arranged timeperiod.
o If the interview will be conducted by phone, offer to phone the interviewee and be punctual. If the interviewee prefers to call you, be available and ready to start the interview ontime.
o If the interview will be conducted via e-mail, include an easily recognizable subject in the subject line; use professional language (no slang or shorthand or abbreviations); present your questions in an orderly and succinct format; allow the interviewee time to respond and specify a reply by date; follow- up with a reminder; acknowledge receipt of the interviewee'sresponse.
- To make the most of your interview, prepare a list of relevant questions and be familiar with the questions and the order in which you are going to askthem.
- At the end of the interview, thank the interviewee for his/her time - and make sure to get a business card if possible.
- Although you are not required to send a "thank you" letter, it is very appropriate to do so and highly encouraged!
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.