Chapter 14 Researching Careers 291
identify key people who can tell you more about
a given career area. Most will be glad to talk with
you if you keep the interview brief and talk at a
time that is convenient for them.
By asking key questions, you can fi nd out
what kind of training is important and how
workers got their fi rst jobs. You can also ask
workers what they like most and least about
their jobs. Informal interviews with people will
help you learn more about a specifi c occupation
and the business world in general. Discussions
with workers will also help you make future job
contacts and practice interviewing.
You can also learn more about a career by
staying alert to happenings around you. While at
school and at work, you observe people working
every day. Do any of their jobs interest you?
Sometimes a newspaper story or a TV program
will reveal facts about a certain career that
catches your attention. Perhaps your friends tell
you about people they know who love their jobs.
When you learn of a career that seems promising, become your own
career investigator. Gather facts and talk with people who can provide
more information as you search for the right career.
Evaluating Careers
As you research career options, be sure to evaluate them carefully.
For each career you explore, you should be able to answer the following
questions:
• What educational requirements are needed?
• What are the general work hours?
• Under what conditions would you be working?
• How much pay could you expect to earn?
• How would this career fi t into your lifestyle and goals?
Finding the answers to these questions will help you choose a more
satisfying and rewarding occupation.
Educational Requirements
Education is often the most important consideration when evaluating
careers. The career you choose will determine the training and education
you need. You may already be in the process of learning skills for an
occupation in your high school classes. Most occupations, however,
require further training after high school.
14-2
Interviewing a worker in a
career that interests you
can help you find out what
qualifications and training you
may need.