Learn More about the Jobs that Interest Me

woman standing in a warehouse

You want to make an informed decision. You want answers to questions like these:

What is this job like? What will my co-workers be like? What will the job demand of me? How much will it pay? What kind of training is needed?

Here are the ten best ways to find answers:

  1. Interview people in the work you are considering. Most people are happy to talk about their work. This is called Information Interviewing, and you want to learn how to do it.
  2. Click on those jobs you identify when taking the Career Key test. You will learn a great deal about each one in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH).
  3. Explore several “Special Features” of the OOH: on each occupation's page, make sure to click on the "How to become one" tab to get education and training information, visit Sources of Career Information, and the new Occupation Finder.
  4. Go to local government agencies for state and local information.
  5. Go to the Library. It has excellent sources. Ask the librarian for help.
  6. Volunteer to do work in your area of interest. Most communities have volunteer action centers that will help you.
  7. "Job Shadow." Follow and observe a person as he or she works. This a valuable way to learn about an occupation.
  8. Participate in internship or cooperative education programs.
  9. Take on a part-time or temporary job in your area of interest.
  10. Explore the Internet. To get started, go to Sources of help on the Internet.

For a printed copy, see "Advice and Actions For Making Smart Decisions" at the Store.