The methods used in researching a career field, industry, or organization are similar to those you've employed in academic research projects. Once you've defined a focus, it's just a matter of knowing where to find the information you'll need. You will have the most success using databases specifically designed for career research, though performing general internet searches may prove effective. Field specific databases are compiled of useful information on industry history and current trends; often the information comes directly from organizations and employers within the field.
Barnard Career Development VAULT Database
OCD has partnered with Vault, the creators of an enormous online career library. Vault offers thousands of resources online, and all are available for download so you can print your own copies of entire books, or read them online. Accessing Vault is simple- go to www.barnard.edu/ocd, select "Vault Library" from the 'Choose a Resource' pull-down menu, and enter 'bcstudent' as the password. Don't be overwhelmed once you've 'entered the Vault.' There's a lot there, but navigating can be easy with these few tips:
1) Know what type of information you're looking for.
An entire career field (ie Law, Fashion, Communications)
A particular organization (ie JPMorgan, HarperCollins, Porter Novelli)
A specific job title or occupation (ie Actor, Physical Therapist, Art Dealer)
2) Know who you want the information from.
Insider information from the employees of various companies at the Electronic Water Cooler.
A fly-on-the-wall perspective of particular occupations from people who've worked in the field.
Employers also offer profiles of their companies and let you know what they're looking for when hiring.
3) Mind the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs are a web device that provide a listing across the top of the page of the places you've been. It's a trail leading you back to where you started. Keep an eye on the breadcrumbs if you want to access something you've seen before, but aren't sure where you saw it.
WetFeet
WetFeet is a much smaller database but is similar in design and content to Vault. You might not be able to find as much information on as wide a variety of industries, but information you find here will be useful and current. Access WetFeet through eRecruiting. Log in to your account, and click on the "Career Resources" block on the bottom right side of your home page. The keys to navigating Wet Feet are similar to those of Vault. One thing you should remember- all information on the left side of the page is free; you will be asked to pay for guides that are listed on the right side of the page.
More Career Research Resources
Internet Resources: The Career Development website lists several pages of websites grouped according to area of career interest. Most of these websites list jobs that are searchable by geographic location. Go to www.barnard.edu/ocd and choose "Career Links" from the "Choose a Resource" pull-down menu.
Informational Interviews and Networking: People can be the best career research resources you have access to! The Alumnae Contact Files, located in OCD, are a series of binders containing listings of Barnard alumnae willing to offer advice and support to other Barnard women. The alumnae can be contacted for information on career fields and on living in various areas of the country. While you cannot expect them to find you a job, you may ask for suggestions on conducting a job search in their geographic regions or career areas. This network is also available on the Career Development website. Please ask the Career Development assistant or Drop-in Counselor for assistance in using the Alumnae Contact Files. Keep in mind, you probably have more contacts of your own than you think- family, friends, neighbors, past employers, people you've met at conferences and workshops. OCD provides networking workshops, as well as events with employers and alumnae that help you to hone your networking skills.
Libraries: Many public libraries have job or career information centers containing career guide books and job listings. Some have counselors to assist you with career issues. The OCD library contains more than 670 books, subscribes to several periodicals, and collects brochures and other useful information. The library is categorized by industry, and also contains development categories such as "Career and Life Planning" and "Career Changing." OCD lends books overnight to current students. You can also search our library resource online. Select "Virtual Library" from the 'Choose a Resource' pull-down menu on the OCD website. Tips for the most effective searching are available on the right side of the page as you search. You can search by title, category, author, and by a variety of key words.
Encyclopedia of Associations and The National Trade and Professional Association Directory (NTPA): These listings of thousands of professional associations around the country are located in the Career Development library. Professional associations are organizations of individuals who work in the same career area or industry. To make use of these groups, find the ones that match your career interests. Call or write to them, or locate them on the Internet, to ask any or all of the following questions: Do they have any printed materials for people starting out in the field? Do they have regional subgroups in the locations you want to work? Do they have a newsletter or other publications? Do they post job listings and where? Do they have student memberships?
Local Newspapers/Periodicals/Trade Journals: University and public libraries keep many US newspapers, periodicals, and trade publications. You can access contact information for most periodicals and trade journals on the internet, so that you can directly subscribe. Newspapers are useful for career research because they contain day-to-day information on industry trends. The New York Times in particular often has a Jobs section that details what's happening in the current job market. Be aware that some papers do not include the classified section when they mail to out-of-town subscribers, so you may need to have someone you know in that location send you copies of the classifieds. Many newspapers will also have this information on their websites. Trade publications and industry specific periodicals will also help keep you in the loop of current trends in particular fields.
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