Researching a Specific Career

Kari writes:

I have a problem. I am supposed to do a report on the career of my choice, and I have chosen herpetologist. But I can’t find information beyond what I already know. I need things like salary. Can you help me?

The Career Doctor responds:

I had a student who was interested in a career in herpetology, but before that time I would have had no clue about careers in herpetology — the study of amphibians and reptiles.

I like that you have a teacher requiring you to do research on your chosen career… so I will give you a few hints and suggestions, but you will still have to do the legwork. These suggestions will work for those doing research in any career field.

First, search the Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor. While it did not contain any information on herpetology, it is a great source of information about careers, trends in those careers, and salary information.

Second, locate the professional association of your chosen field. Many libraries have a book in the reference area that simply lists associations. Or, you can check the Web, using, for example, Google.

Third, use your network of friends, colleagues, professors, family to find people currently working in the field. Set up interviews and discuss careers and salary with them. You can find out more about networking by visiting Quintessential Careers: The Art of Networking.

Fourth, surf through a few of the major job sites, such as