Career Research Essay—at least 3 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12 point Times Roman font, one-inch margins. Must include an additional Works Cited page.
You will soon be entering another phase of your life, becoming more independent and responsible. “Real Life” involves important decisions, and one of the most pivotal decisions is the career path you choose. I want you to reflect on a possible career, investigate and research the issues pertaining to that job, then write an essay in which you put together everything you have learned in an organized fashion. You must cite any information you provide throughout your paper (parenthetical citations).
Below is a list of points you need to cover in your essay.
1. What factors made you decide on this particular career? Who influenced you? Why are you especially well suited for this job? What characteristics/interests/skills/strengths do you possess? When did you first become interested?
2. Tell me about someone you know who is doing this job. What has that person told you about it? What are the good parts and bad parts? If you don’t presently know someone working in your desired position, you must find someone to interview. (citation)
3. What courses (discuss your technical program especially) and/or extracurricular and volunteer work have you done in high school to prepare yourself for this career? Explain what you learned, especially the parts that were most interesting to you. Be specific; provide examples. For instance, describe any projects or assignments that were especially meaningful and enlightening. Tell me about your success so far in your area of interest.
4. Tell me about job prospects (you will need to do research). What is the starting salary for this position? What is the median salary? The top salary? Which states have the most job openings? How secure is this career? Is it a job that is especially needed today? What are the projections for job growth in the future? Which parts of the country will have the most jobs? You need to supply specific facts. (citation)
5. Which colleges offer good programs for your career choice (list at least three colleges)? Which colleges have you applied to? Describe the course of study at one of these colleges—give specific information about the courses you will need to take, as well as any tests (for example, certification exams that you will need to pass). (citation)
6. Survey job sites online and in the paper. Tell me about some of the specific advertisements you saw. How many advertisements did you see, for example, in the Sunday edition of the Sun-Sentinel? (citation)
7. How long do you think it will take you before you find the right job once you graduate? Does your college offer help with job placement? Do you have a resume?
8. Explain your process for finding a job. Do you know anyone in this field? Will you be able to use the person you know as a potential connection (this is called networking)? Who will you list as references? What will you list on your application as relevant experience? Are you willing to relocate for a job? Which cities would you consider and why?
9. Where do you eventually see yourself ending up in your chosen profession? Is there room for advancement? Are there higher positions?
10. Tell me what you would say in an interview if you were asked the following question: “Why should I hire you, in particular, out of the many different candidates I have interviewed?”
11. If you can’t get your desired job, what ideas do you have for a backup plan? How will you make money to support yourself and any dependents?
The paper must be MLA Format (see links in the right column of this website for information about internal citations and the Works Cited Page). Remember the essay must be at least 3 double-spaced pages to the bottom with an additional Works Cited page. Late papers will not be accepted.
Again, remember, THIS IS AN ESSAY, not a series of written responses to questions. If you give me a list of answered questions, you will fail the paper (no rewrites). The questions are listed simply as a way to brainstorm ideas. You decide on paragraphing, transitions, etc. MUST BE TYPED, MLA FORMAT, WITH INTERNAL CITATIONS AND A SEPARATE WORKS CITED PAGE. FORMAT MUST BE CORRECT.
Staple the Proofreading Checklist to the front of your essay.
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2020/02/proofreading-checklist-attach-to-front.html
The paper must be MLA Format (see links in the right column of this website for information about internal citations and the Works Cited Page). Remember the essay must be at least 3 double-spaced pages to the bottom with an additional Works Cited page. Late papers will not be accepted.
Again, remember, THIS IS AN ESSAY, not a series of written responses to questions. If you give me a list of answered questions, you will fail the paper (no rewrites). The questions are listed simply as a way to brainstorm ideas. You decide on paragraphing, transitions, etc. MUST BE TYPED, MLA FORMAT, WITH INTERNAL CITATIONS AND A SEPARATE WORKS CITED PAGE. FORMAT MUST BE CORRECT.
Staple the Proofreading Checklist to the front of your essay.
https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2020/02/proofreading-checklist-attach-to-front.html
Additional Research Help:
Ms. Castelli, our Media Specialist, is an excellent resource.
Ms. Castelli, our Media Specialist, is an excellent resource.
http://galesite.com/portal/broward/marg9873
Assistance with Research Paper Format: https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2014/03/mla-format-and-research-paper.html
Assistance with Research Paper Format: https://scholarmulhern.blogspot.com/2014/03/mla-format-and-research-paper.html
Also google:
--Occupational Outlook Handbook
--Bureau of Labor Statistics Career
Information
--America's Career InfoNet
--Job Star-Guides for Specific Careers
