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Transitions, part 1: Research Potential Careers

The Basics

• Do some research on potential careers using the Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Then write a roughly 600-word report in MLA Style.
• Please read the instructions below carefully. (It's a lot, I know.)
• Reach out for help if you have any questions!

The Details

Start with career research to gain a better understanding of various career options and their requirements. This provides you with a foundation for tailoring your résumés and cover letters to specific career goals.

• Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s "Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
• Research at least three potential careers that align with your interests and skills. Take notes on job duties, salary prospects, required education, and job outlook.
• For each occupation you researched, create a brief, somewhat informal report, roughly 600 words but no more than you need to provide a detailed report. Format the document in MLA style. Include the following details:
  1. Occupations Researched: List the occupations or fields you investigated.
  2. Required Background and Preparation: Describe the educational background and any specific qualifications or certifications needed for each occupation.
  3. Job Outlook: Discuss whether each occupation is expected to grow or shrink in the future, based on the information from the "Occupational Outlook Handbook."
  4. Median Salary: Provide the median salary or salary range for each occupation, if available.
  5. Other Relevant Factors: Include any other relevant information about the occupation, such as job responsibilities, potential for career advancement, and work-life balance.
  6. Explanation of choices & evaluation of your candidacy: Why did you choose these 3 potential careers? Evaluate your interests, experience, training, & education: are you currently a good candidate for each career? Why or why not?
  7. Reflections: Consider questions such as these: How strong a candidate are you for these careers? Is there anything you need to do to become a strong candidate? Do you know anyone who is currently in one of these careers? Reflect on any surprising or disappointing findings during your research. Did anything stand out that you didn't expect?

Associated Assignments

• Transition, part 1: Research Potential Careers
• Transition, part 2: Draft Résumés
• Transition, part 3: Draft Job Letters
• Transition, part 4: Explore Job Databases
• Transition, part 5: Reflection

The Rubric

25% Content Knowledge & Effective Use of Occupational Outlook Handbook:

• Insufficient: The student demonstrates a poor understanding of the careers and does not effectively use the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• Adequate: The student provides basic information about the careers but lacks depth or effective use of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
• Strong: The student demonstrates a good understanding of the careers and effectively uses the Occupational Outlook Handbook to gather relevant information.
• Outstanding: The student displays exceptional content knowledge, providing comprehensive information about the careers and making excellent use of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

25% Explanation of Choices & Evaluation of Your Candidacy:

• Insufficient: The explanation and evaluation of career choices and candidacy are absent or inadequate.
• Adequate: The student briefly explains choices and candidacy without depth or thorough evaluation.
• Strong: The student provides a clear explanation of career choices and conducts a solid evaluation of their candidacy, linking their interests, experience, training, and education to each career.
• Outstanding: The student offers a comprehensive and insightful explanation of career choices and conducts an exceptional evaluation of their candidacy, demonstrating a deep understanding of their qualifications.

25% Reflections:

• Insufficient: The reflections are missing or lack substance.
• Adequate: The student briefly discusses reflections without much depth or insight.
• Strong: The student provides thoughtful and meaningful reflections, addressing questions and offering insights into their candidacy and any surprising or disappointing findings.
• Outstanding: The student offers profound and insightful reflections, addressing questions in a profound manner and showcasing deep self-awareness and understanding.

15% Organization and Clarity:

• Insufficient: The report lacks a clear structure and is difficult to follow.
• Adequate: The report is somewhat organized but could be clearer in its presentation.
• Strong: The report is well-organized and presents information in a clear and coherent manner.
• Outstanding: The report is exceptionally well-structured and exceptionally clear in its presentation.

10% MLA Style Formatting:

• Insufficient: The report does not follow MLA style formatting guidelines.
• Adequate: The report attempts to follow MLA style formatting but contains several errors.
• Strong: The report adheres to MLA style formatting guidelines with minimal errors.
• Outstanding: The report follows MLA style formatting guidelines flawlessly.