This paper needs to be done in “sections.” this is a career exploration paper. I’m an accounting student, so my paper needs to be about my assumed future career in accounting, and what steps I will take to get a career in accounting.
Each “part” needs to be 2 pages – Double spaced
Part 1: (use Career inventory Results PDF)
Part 1 is a Self-Assessment –
Describe how you decided on this career for your research – You should explain how both your educational background and work history have informed this decision.
Using the results of the Career Inventory (and any other career questionnaires/surveys/assessments that you have taken), why do you think this career is a match for your personality, abilities, interests, and values? – FYI – I have no background in accounting. I chose this major because it seemed interesting to me. In my opinion, we should focus on the positives of accounting work.
Part 2: Employment Sector Data – In this section, detail the education, certificates/licenses, and skills necessary for a career in the employment sector that you have selected. In short, what do you need to do to enter your chosen field? Most of the information you will need can be found in the databases included in the IBA 135 Research Guide. Remember to record the sources that you use so that you can cite them in this section of your paper.
Part 3: Part 3: Job Option(s) in the Employment Sector for College Graduates – Imagine that you meet eligibility requirements for one or more positions based on your educational background (baccalaureate degree) and prior work experience.
What might you anticipate if you accepted a position (working conditions, schedule, salary, benefits, training, and opportunities for advancement)?
What do professionals in your selected field like and dislike about their job?
What advice would they give you about working in the professional field?
Interview someone (on video, e.g. Zoom) employed in this field currently. Alternately, research YouTube videos with professionals discussing what it is like to work in their field.
If you do not have access to someone in your field, you could see if the Career Center could help you arrange to talk with a Lehman alumnus/alumna. You could also interview a faculty or staff member who has come from the employment sector that interests you.
An information interview (conducted in person, on the phone, or via email) can count as one of your five sources. Keep complete interview notes (or, with the individuals permission, an audiotape) and make sure to get contact information (full name, official job title) since you will need it for your References list. Since you may want to include a specific quotation, make sure to indicate direct quotations by using quotation marks in your notes.
If you cannot interview someone, what is definitely possible is finding information online where professionals discuss their careers. See the examples below.
Part 4:
d. Part 4: Job Outlook in the Employment Sector – What are some current issues as well as projected changes in this field? What is the rate of growth for this field over the next five (5) or 10 years? Will this field become obsolete anytime soon? Is there a demand for this field? How might this field need to change to remain current and grow as a field? (For help, check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook). You may also find a book, professional journal, news article, or monograph that spells out challenges as well as opportunities.
Part 5: Part 5: How Can You Prepare Yourself for Success?
Outline the steps you will take including specifics on a choice of major, paid or unpaid work experiences, and extracurricular activities (clubs, organizations, honoraries, and service-learning opportunities) to join your chosen field.
How will you build a resume over the years you spend pursuing your undergraduate degree and/or beyond? In other words, what activities, courses in your major, professional certifications, volunteer work, professional association memberships, etc. will you pursue to enter the career you would like?
You may decide to conduct an informational interview with an academic advisor, career counselor, student activities administrator, or faculty member to develop this part of your paper. (See Part 3.) The interview can be counted as one of your five sources. Keep complete interview notes (or, with the individuals permission, an audiotape) and make sure to get contact information (full name, official job title) since you will need it for your References list. Since you may want to include a specific quotation, make sure to indicate direct quotations by using quotation marks in your notes.
