In the previous step, you were asked to create a list of occupations that matched your interests - occupations that you would like to evaluate as possible career goals.  In this step you will research your selections to learn more about the true nature of each option.  For example, for each occupation you will review such information as:

• Nature of the work (duties and responsibilities)

• Entrance qualifications

• Training requirements or recommendations

• Future employment projection (need)

• Advancement opportunities

• Typical salary levels

After evaluating each occupation to learn about its true nature, you will decide whether you want to continue to consider each occupation as a possible career goal.  To obtain the information necessary to evaluate each occupation, you will use an online database called the "Occupational Outlook Handbook."  Your objective in this step is to narrow down your list of possible career options to those occupations that are most desirable.

Time required to complete...

Variable, depending upon the number of occupations that you wish to evaluate.  Each occupation should take you approximately 10 minutes to evaluate.

Required form...

To complete this step, please use your completed copy of Form 2.

1. Print a copy of this checklist to record your progress as you complete this step.
2. On your printed copy, check off each step as it is completed.

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Refer to your completed copy of Form 2 and note the job title of the first occupation listed on this form.

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When instructed to do so below, please visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website.  This website contains a database of occupational information (profiles) on hundreds of occupations.  To retrieve the occupational profile that you want, use any of the following three search options:

(1) A-Z index Scroll down the page to find the A-Z Index.  It looks like this: To use this option, click on the letter that matches the first letter of your job title.  For example, click "P" to find the profile for "Pharmacist."  Next, review the list of job titles that will appear and click on your job title to retrieve its profile.
(2) Keyword Notice the keyword search field along the left margin.  It looks like this: To use this option, type in a job title and click the "Go" button.  Next, review the list of job titles that will appear and click on your job title to retrieve its profile.
(3) Career Groups Notice the 11 career groups listed along the left margin - see example to the right. To use this option, click on the Career Group that you think best describes the job title you are trying to retrieve. For example, if you were looking for the profile on "Accountant," you would find it in the "Management" career group. Next, review the list of job titles that will appear and click on your job title to retrieve its profile.

You may have to use several or all three of the above search options to find the right profile.  In addition, when using the A-Z Index, you may have to try different variations of the job title to find its profile, such as "Administrative Assistant" vs. "Secretary."

Now, click on the Occupational Outlook Handbook link below to visit its website and retrieve the profile for the first occupation that you listed on your completed copy of Form 2.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Evaluate your first job title.

After retrieving the profile of your first occupation, read the profile carefully and thoroughly.  When finished reading the profile, circle "Yes" on your completed copy of Form 2 (on the same line as your occupation) if you wish to further consider the occupation as a possible career goal, or "No" if you no longer wish to consider the occupation as a possible career goal.
 

Repeat the above procedure for all remaining job titles on your completed copy of Form 2.  Do this now.  After you have reviewed all occupations and checked "Yes" or "No" for each occupation, move on to the step below.

Review the 4 options below.  Identify the option that best describes your results after completing this step.  Follow the directions associated with the option you select regarding what you should do next.