How and Where Do I Begin?

Research to find out as much as you can about your chosen career area:

• Occupational Binders, Career Cruising, Industry Files and Alumni Profiles located in the Career Resource Library will assist you in your research
• Conduct Informational Interviews and talk to people who are in your area of interest to gain greater insight into a potential career.
• Use the Informational Interview Contacts in the Career Resource Library to identify people to talk to.
• Apply to the Extern Job Shadowing Program and learn more about your career area of interest first hand by job shadowing someone working in that area.

What Comes Next?

From the information gathered through your research and discussions with people in the field, you will be ready to make some decisions and determine some appropriate next steps, which may include:

• Identifying appropriate academic courses or any additional educational qualifications you may need
• Gaining hands-on experience to develop specific skills and gain important expertise. (Browse the Jobs & Volunteer Listings, or learn about the Get Experience Program.)
• Meeting with a career counsellor to discuss your situation with someone one-on-one and face-to-face.

What If I Decide That This Career Area is Not For Me?

First of all, don't get discouraged! If through your research you discover that a career area is not the right for you, it is important to take some time to think. For more information read the other sections in this Choosing a Career guide, including "How Do I Get Started?"