EDUC 1300: Learning Frameworks
Professor Stacy Welcome, Ph.D
CAREER RESEARCH PROJECT (40% 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 4, Communicate 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 4, Communicate 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 (5-8 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 26026
Fall 2014
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 your Student Center to access your advisement report)
ADVISEMENT REPORT IS MANDATORY.
DEADLINE DATE TO TURN IN PROJECT
WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN CLASS
NO RESEARCH WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE
DUE DATE.