Researching a Career

As you begin your career journey you will need to learn more about specific types of careers, job responsibilities, training and education requirements, career tracks, salary and wages, basic skills needed, challenges, etc. The following is a list of resources that provide you with reliable and detailed career planning information, some with advice from professionals in the field.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) is a nationally recognized source of career information designed to provide valuable assistance to individuals making decisions about their future work lives. Revised every two years, the OOH describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations. The OOH is compiled by the US Department of Labor.

The Labor Market Information (LMI), provided by the Economic and Workforce Development Center, allows educators, workforce practitioners and economic developers to apply occupational-based analyses within specific regions and workforce clusters. Here, you’ll find the most recent data available from government sources in clear, easy-to-read reports.

The LMI tells us about the economy, job market, businesses and the workforce. LMI includes employment and unemployment data, wage data, employment projections, career info, and a variety of other information designed to help understand labor market conditions. This information is designed to help individuals make informed choices by providing a better understanding of a local area's economic picture.

The CareerOneStop Toolkit is your source for career exploration, training and jobs. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Princeton Review provides access to look up over 200 occupational profiles with information on career facts and figures, "a day in the life of" that career, educational requirements, associated careers, etc. Utilize this website to help you explore college majors.

New York State Department of Labor's Career Development site provides information and workshops on exploring careers, job searches, and planning your future. They also have resources on writing resumes and covers, filling out job applications, job searches, and interview preparation.

The Career Library includes a collection of career planning books, periodicals, and other resources with information on current career outlooks, salaries, educational requirements, and other occupational information. These resources are available to help you explore careers, including those occupations requiring bachelor and graduate degrees.

Additional information is available on the Career Resources page, which provides links to research possible career paths based on the Schools @ MCC.