University of South Florida

There are many ways to identify occupations that fit your personal profile: reading about them, researching them on the internet, using self-assessment instruments, talking with professionals in the field, and attending campus career presentations. You can also test out a possible career choice through career-related work experience. To make sure you have the most accurate picture of a career and/or occupation, it's best to use multiple methods to gather information.

Online Resources to Help you Explore Occupations and Gather Salary Information

Occupational Exploration Websites:

America's Career Infonet   A comprehensive source of occupational information on hundreds of occupations that lists transferable skills used in many occupations, which industries employ people in these occupations, and what compensation you can expect.

Career Guide to Industries   Provides information on available careers by industry, including the nature of the industry, working conditions, employment, occupations in the industry, training and advancement, earnings and benefits, employment outlook, and lists of organizations that can provide additional information.

Career Zone Provides a list of six occupational clusters, based on the Holland Self-Directed Search. Once a selection is made, a list of job titles is provided. Each job title has a detailed description with information on tasks performed, skills, knowledge and education required, wages, outlook and similar job titles.  Although the wages are specifically targeted to N.Y., the rest of the content is relevant throughout the U.S.

Economic & Employment Projections, 2000 - 2010 U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the most current projections on where future job growth is expected by industry and occupation and the likely composition of the work force pursuing those jobs.

Job Profiles A career exploration and inspirational web site where experienced workers share their motivations, basic skills and advice with those just entering the career field. The profiles are of real people and the work covers a wide variety of jobs.

Job Star Career Information. Originally developed for California job changers, this site includes articles on career information, links to resources, and lists of books to look for in your local public library.

The Occupational Information Network (O'Net)
Maintained by the Department of Labor, this site allows you to find jobs that fit your interest, skills and experience; explore career profiles from the latest labor market data; search for occupations that use your skills; view specific details about occupations and identify related occupations.

Occupational Outlook Handbook The OOH, from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, gives you detailed information on 250 occupations. Each listing addresses the employment outlook, job duties, earnings, working conditions, training, education, qualifications and career advancement.

Occupational Outlook Quarterly This web-publication covers career and work-related topics on new and developing occupations in the 21^st century, training opportunities, salary trends, and results of new studies from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. OOQ offers you the option of reading a "nutshell"  description of the article before you download the complete article in PDF format.

Sloan Career Cornerstone Center Comprehensive information for exploring careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computing and medical fields.

The Vault Reports Provides information on specific companies from people working on the “inside,"  career descriptions, and updates on the “hottest" careers. Purchased by the USF Career Center for the use of USF students.

WetFeet Provides information on specific companies, careers, newsletters, career and company comparison charts, salary benchmarking tools and numerous career discussion boards.

Salary & Cost-of-Living Websites:

Bankrate.com
Monster.com
SalaryWizard from PayScale
Salary Calculator from CareerGuide.com

Career Center Resources to Help you Explore Occupations

Online Seminars: "Finding a Career that Fits."

Career Library & Computer Lab

Individual Appointment with a Career Counselor: Call 813-974-2171 to schedule.

Walk-in Advising: 15-minute question and answer session. Fall & Spring only.

Office Hours: M-F: 8am-5pm
Walk-in Hours: Mon/Wed/Thur, 10 - 3 & Tues, 10 - 12:30, Fall/Spring