EDUC 1300: Learning Frameworks Professor Darin LaMar Baskin CAREER RESEARCH PROJECT (30% of Final Grade) OBJECTIVES Each student will demonstrate the ability to: 1. 2. 3. Research the career of his/her choice, using the resources earlier introduced in the library. Document your answers with information gathered in your research and credit your sources in the answer to EACH question (Use Chapter 5, Connect, as your guideline). Prepare a REFERENCE PAGE in the APA style introduced in the library orientation and handout. The following is a description of a three-part career research project. The first part is a written report, the second an interview with a person currently working in your field of choice, and the third an oral, in-class presentation. THE CAREERS PROJECT HAS TO BE TYPED. YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL THREE SECTIONS OF THE PROJECT TO GET CREDIT FOR ANY SECTION. In accordance with Chapter 5, Connect from Cornerstone, 1) Write an introduction before the questions (label it “Introduction”). Be sure and italicize your THESIS STATEMENT (italicize only the thesis statement in your introduction.) Design an introductory paragraph that creates interest in your reader and reflects the purpose of your project. a. Introduction (thesis/topic paragraph about your career) Example: One of the most exciting (lucrative, rewarding, fulfilling…) careers today is . In the US (around the world), is popular because….. I chose this field because I want to ….. _____________________________________________________________________ 2) Number and write each question, and then answer it. Answers must be in a full paragraph. Italicize (only) the topic sentence in EACH paragraph. Reference any statistics or quoted information used. If you are uncertain of how to reference a source, ask a Librarian. Do this EARLY in your writing preparation so that you don’t get caught at the end with improper or no references in your seven answers. (*Questions 2, 3, 5, and 7 require that you reference material from your research). The others are more personal answers but reference material from your research can strengthen them.) QUESTIONS: Prepare in question and answer format. Information should be thoroughly presented in response to the questions. 1. Why did you choose this particular career? Example: I chose this career because it is …… 2. *What personality characteristics are likely required for this career? How does you own personality match/not match? Example: There are several personality characteristics required as a physical therapist. You should show compassion, understanding, knowledge…. My personality matches because I have always been interested in….. 3. *What education/training is required for this career? What is your plan for achieving this education/training? (Include courses/degree plan for an Associates degree at a community college (HCC Catalog) or bachelor’s degree at a four year college/university) 4. What skills do you currently possess that will be helpful in this career? Which skills do you think you will have to work the hardest to develop? 5. *What is the outlook for this career? In terms of salary? Positions available? Future possibilities? 6. What do you think you will like the most about this career? What do you expect you will like the least? 7. *In relation to your career, where do you see yourself in five years? In ten years? __________________________________________________ 3) Write a conclusion, after the answered questions (Label it “Conclusion”). For different ways to conclude your paper, see the various suggestions in Chapter 12. Don’t forget to italicize your conclusion’s topic sentence. Example: Overall, the field (or career) of is the job of the future. Based on the statistics, salary, ….. _________________________________________________ 4) ______________________ _______________________ Include a REFERENCE on a separate page. Title the page (REFERENCE). Bibliography/References (magazines, periodicals, journals, books, internet research…) MINIMUM OF 5 SOURCES REQUIRED Example: Center title “REFERENCE” Refer to APA (American Psychological Association) handout to list sources You must include a MINIMUM of 3 bibliographic or electronic (website) entries. The other 2 should be a combination of books, magazines, journals, newspapers, or other print material. NOTE that the library handout shows how to do both electronic and print media. PART II: THE INTERVIEW For this portion, you must perform an interview, either individually, or in a group of students with similar career interests. YOU SHOULD START YOUR INTERVIEW SEARCH ERALY SO THAT YOU DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE AND THEN CAN’T FIND ANYONE TO INTEVIEW. This is not an excuse for you to use at the end of the semester, it will not work. The interview will be done in accordance with the handout, INFORMATION INTERVIEW, prepared by the HCCS Counseling Department. You may use the questions prepared on that handout or you may modify them to fit your personal preference. The information you gather during the interview will be used to complete the written part of this project. Completely fill in the top part of the handout (not the questions) and turn it in with your written portion. You might start with the Career Center, Counseling, other students, suggestions from your instructor, or professionals you know to find someone to interview. Your CAREER PROJECT will be WORD PROCESSED, STAPLED and turned in as designated by the instructor. PART III: IN-CLASS PRESENTATION You will present your findings you have recorded in written portion of your project. There is no minimum time limit. Just make sure that you cover the subject thoroughly enough to give your listeners a good idea about your chosen profession. Since our time is limited, all the information you gathered does not need to be presented at this time. Any visuals or other aids you can add to your presentation will be positively accepted. If there are any questions about any of the three parts of the career project presented above, please be sure and ask questions to clear them up as early as possible. Time will be dedicated in future classes for questions. So keep track of anything that comes up and raise your issue. BE PREPARED TO DO A PRESENTATION ON YOUR FUTURE CAREER CHOICE TO YOUR FELLOW CLASSMATES (8-10 minutes). (Visual aids enhance your presentation (poster board, PowerPoint, handouts...) Career Research Project Report Components to be turned in for report: 1. Title (separate page) Center career, name, course, class number, semester) Example: PHYSICAL THERAPIST Student Name EDUC 1300 Class Number 26304 Spring 2013 2. Career Project Report Handout Information (continuous flow) a. Introduction (thesis/topic paragraph) b. Supporting Details (includes the seven questions with answers) c. Conclusion (summary of introduction and supporting details) d. Interview (with someone currently in your career choice) 3. Bibliography (separate page) Example: REFERENCE Reference and list sources according to APA (American Psychological Association) handout 4. Degree Plan (go to Counseling to request a degree plan) DEGREE PLAN IS MANDATORY. DEADLINE DATE TO TURN IN PROJECT WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS NO RESEARCH WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DUE DATE.