Furman University

Occupational information and resources

Individualized career counseling - Meeting with one of our career counselors is the best way to begin researching careers. Many books and online resources have a vast amount of information and it is very easy to become overwhelmed. The career counselors can assist you with creating a research plan that will make your career exploration more manageable. In addition, the counselors may know of specific books and websites pertaining to your career interests or professionals that you can contact. Click here to learn how to set up a meeting.

The Office of Career Services career library - Provides valuable information for all steps of your careerosearch. Use this resource to find information on general career areas, specific career fields, and occupational information. Students can also find information typical and atypical jobs for their major, industry profiles, salary information, and career outlooks.


Occupational Outlook Handbook - Detailed descriptions of occupational fields including job duties, educational requirements, salary information and related occupations.

Occupational Information Network (O*Net) - Descriptions of career fields including educational and skill requirements, salary information, and related occupations.

Vault.com - This website has a wealth of information on industries and careers. Included on this website are occupational profiles, industry profiles, industry career guides, and career podcasts. There is also an "A Day in the Life" section in which students can read profiles and often hourly accounts of a day in a particular career field as chronicled by a young professional.

Wet Feet - Research specific companies and industries, as well as search for jobs.

Becomeopedia - How to Become Anything

Diversity Resources - Links to diversity related job search and career information resources.

InsideJobs - Career Information and Job Families

Accounting Careers Info

So You Want To Be a Consultant

Banking Careers Info

Medical Careers Info

So You Want to Be a Lawyer

Paralegal Careers Info

Becoming a Social Worker

Psychology Careers

CareerThoughts.com

Onlineschools.org

Informational interviewing

Informational Interviews - Never underestimate the importance of the people you know and meet. They can open doors and provide information that you would never find if solely using books or internet searches. The goal of an informational interview is for you to learn as much about a person's career as you can by asking a variety of questions. An informational interview can take place in person or over the phone. Here are some tips on conducting the interview and establishing a networking contact.

• Make a list of all the people you know that may be able to offer assistance. Include family, friends, friends of family, and family of your friends. Also, don't forget professors, co-workers, former bosses and supervisors, and alumni. A list of alumni in your chosen profession or field can be requested from the Alumni Office by visiting the Office of Career Services.

• Contact your list members and ask them for a few minutes of their time. For instructions on contacting alumni and professionals, visit the Office of Career Services.


• Tell them that you are seeking guidance and assistance with your career planning. Be specific with your questions and let them know you are not applying for a job.
  
  
• When your conversation ends, ask the person for the name(s) of others in their field or company that they think could give you additional information.


• Always send a thank-you note for taking out time to speak with you and for providing advice and information. It is a good idea to forward a copy of your resume with a request to keep you in mind if the individual hears of opportunities in the future.

Sample questions to ask an informational interviewer

• What types of skills are needed to perform this kind of work?
  
  
• What do you like/dislike about your work?
  
  
• What are the advancement opportunities in this field?
  
  
• What are the usual salary ranges for entry into this type of work?
  
  
• What is the best way to approach prospective employers in this type of work?
  
  
• Could you describe a typical work day for me?
  
  
• How would I acquire the skills needed to perform this type of work?
  
  
• What suggestions do you have for me as I pursue a job in this field?
  
  
• Are there other individuals or organizations that you recommend I contact?
  

Remember, many times the most helpful information comes in the form of referrals to other individuals or organizations. If you make contact a contact through a referral, let the person who gave you the referral know how your meeting went.
Salary.com - General information pertaining to salary.

O*NET - simply type in the occupational title in the quick search, select the job title that matches your interest, and open the wage and employment link under view report.

OOH - Type in the occupational title and click on the earnings link to find median salary information.

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