CAREER EXPLORATION PAPER INSTRUCTIONS

The purpose of this assignment is to learn how to use O*NET to explore career options for yourself and your future clients. After reviewing the results of the O*NET Interest Profiler, you selected 1 potential career that you wanted to explore further.

For this paper, you will use the O*NET SOC code to gather additional information about that occupation. Go to the O*NET website and select "Occupation Search." Input the "O*NET SOC Code" you identified as a potential occupation when taking the O*NET Interest Profiler and press enter.A full description of your particular career of interest should appear on the screen.

References: For this paper, much of the information that you report will come directly from O*NET. Thus, you will cite information from O*NET in this paper differently than your other references. In the introduction paragraph, include the following sentence:

Unless otherwise cited, the career information presented in this paper was obtained from O*NET On-Line (National Center for O*NET Development, 20XX).

In addition to O*NET, you must have at least 2 other references. One referencemust be from CareerOneStop and the other from the Occupational Outlook Handbook for the occupation.

These 2sources are accessible through the O*NET summary page for your occupation. These resources must be cited in-text using current APA formatting. All 3 references must be included on the reference page. Read the information on p. 3 for more additional information.

Instructions:Dividing your paper using the bold headings below (without Roman numerals), write a 4-6-page current APA-formatted paper (no abstract necessary). Remember to bold and center all Level 1 headings. Your paper may be written in first-person.

Address each question thoroughly:

I. Career Field and Occupation of Choice

List the occupation you have chosen to explore.Also,include your 3primary Holland Codes and the O*NET SOC Code.

II. The Nature of the Work for this career, including such things as:

• Duties

• Skills

• Activities

• Typical work day

III. Working Conditions for this career, including such things as:

• Work environment

• Hours

• Work alone or with others

• Type of supervision

• Populations worked with (age, socioeconomic level, presenting issues)

• Psychological aspects of work setting (stress levels, crisis situations, deadlines, multiple tasks, etc.)

IV. Preparation and Qualifications for this career, including such things as:

• Education

• Skills

• Experience

• Personal traits

V. Opportunities and Future Outlook for this career, including such things as:

• Occupation workforce size and composition

• Geographic distribution

• Large/small firms

• Security/advancement/related opportunities?

VI. Economic and Non-Economic Benefits for this career including such things as:

• Entry-level/average annual earnings (locally and elsewhere)

• Related benefits (insurance, vacation, sick leave, education)

• Non-economic benefits

o Personal satisfaction factors

o Associated lifestyle

o Psychological rewards

VII. Disadvantages and/or Special Situations for this career including such things as:

• Irregular work hours

• Seasonal work

• Overtime or night work

• Travel

• Hazards

VIII. Conclusion

• What did you learn about the career that you did not know before or that surprised you?

• How do the occupational characteristics and requirements fit with your current interests and values?

• How do the occupational characteristics and requirements fit with your career goals?

• What advantages/limitations do you see in using O*Net in your future career as a counselor?