The document outlines the requirements for a career research project, requiring students to write a 2-3 page paper on a career of interest. The paper must include research from at least 4 sources and address several topics: a job description and the responsibilities and characteristics needed for the career; the education and training required; details about the work setting such as hours, environment, travel and stress; wages and benefits; the employment outlook; and a personal assessment of why the career is a good fit. The goal is to help students explore careers and make informed decisions about classes and future plans.

1. Career Research Project
Introduction:
Career Exploration is an important part of your high school education because it gives you a focus for the
future. Hopefully you will make decisions about your classes and study habits that reflect your career and
education goals.
Career Report:
Write a 2-3 page typewritten paper on a career of interest. Collect research materials from the library and
Internet. You must include at least 4 citations from a minimum of four different sources.
Report should be prepared in proper MLA Format with a Works Cited page. To focus your research you
should consider the following:
Job Description/Duties
What responsibilities would you have? Which responsibilities would you like and which would you
dislike?
Personal Characteristics Needed
What important personal characteristics do you think would be needed to be happy and successful in this
occupation? Why does this career fit your personality? What personal values does this career provide
that are important to you? (Examples: security, having fun, status, helping others, challenging…)
Education Needed
What specific high school classes and activities would be most helpful in preparing for this career? What
type of education or training would you need after high school? List possible colleges/schools where you
may receive training.
Work Setting
How many hours would you generally work? What would your work environment be? Would you travel?
Would your job be stressful? What would you like and dislike about the work setting?
Wages and Benefits
Entry wages: How much would a worker in this occupation generally start at? What is the range of
wages that an experienced worker can earn? Will the worker receive insurance, sick leave, paid vacation
etc. Do you see this occupation as providing enough income for you to live according to your
expectations?
Employment Outlook
What is the occupational outlook for this career?
Personal Assessment
Explain why you think this occupation would be right for you. How does it fit your personality, interests,
values, educational plans.
Kelly, E. (n.d.). Long Island Business Education Council. Long Island Business Education Council. Retrieved June 5, 2013,
from http://www.libec.org