Career Planning - By Category

Career Choice or Change

Find out how to choose the right occupation whether you're doing it for the first time or changing careers. Choosing a career can be confusing. These resources will guide you through the process of selecting the occupation that is most suitable for you.

Self Assessment

Your skills, interests, personality, and values play an important role in your career choice. Find out what effect they have and learn about the various self assessment tools, also called career assessment tools, that help with the career planning process. Try some of the tools online.

Careers

Gathering information about careers is an important part of the career planning process and will help you discover whether a particular career is right for you. Learn about a wide variety of careers and their job duties, employment outlooks, salaries and educational and other requirements.

Skills and Training

Obtain the skills you need to succeed in the career of your choice and at work in general. Find out about college, graduate school, and internships. Learn what skills will help you get and keep a job.

Resumes, Interviews, Networking, Letters, etc.

Conducting a job search campaign is a full time job in itself. Being prepared increases your chances of having a successful campaign. This section covers resume writing, job interviewing, company research, job search letters, and negotiating job offers.

Company Research

Having knowledge about a potential employer gives you a competitive edge over other job seekers. Learn how to do company research and find the resources you can use to research most companies, including Securities and Exchange Commission filings, business directories, and news sources.

Evaluating a Job Offer

Here's what to do after your interview, from waiting to hear from a potential employer to negotiating a job offer and deciding whether to accept or reject it.

Relocating

Here are resources that will help you decide how, if, and where to relocate for your career. This section includes geographic ratings and data, local employment information, job listings, tips to help make the transition easier, and help for spouses.

Balancing Work and Family

Work shouldn't get in the way of your personal life. Here are resources to help you find balance between your career and family. Explore alternative work options, find out if you should be a stay-at-home-parent, and learn how to deal with issues working parents face.

Employment Law

Here are resources that will help you understand employment law. They deal with topics such as gender, age, religious, and race discrimination; sexual harassment; privacy; contracts; family leave; disabilities; taxes; and immigration.

Workplace Survival and Success

Here are resources that will help you survive and succeed at work regardless of what your job is. Topics covered include: dressing for work, getting along with others, office politics, office romance, advancement, and managing employees. Also learn how to deal with personal issues that can affect you at work.

Job Loss / Quitting your Job

Job loss, whether it's your choice or not, is very difficult. Find out how to cope emotionally, and deal with practical issues such as health insurance and unemployment insurance whether you are fired or quit your job. Learn how to prepare for a layoff and how to decide whether it's the right time to quit your job.

Diversity Resources

Women and minority groups face special issues in the workplace. Here are resources and information of particular interest to women and minority groups, such as African Americans and Latino Americans.

Advice for Children, Teens and Parents

Children, teens, and parents can come to this section to get career advice. Find out how to choose an occupation, find a job, and get the skills necessary to enter the work force. Learn how to develop good work habits.