Assignment: Career Exploration Resources

1. Part 1: Setting up a Resource Log Before you start investigating research resources in earnest, you’ll want to establish a way of organizing the agencies and information you find by putting together a resource log.
Itâs likely that youâve had to document sources when writing papers in school, and maybe youâve noticed that you keep track of resources in other situations, like when trying to find a good electrician or plumber, or the best price on an item youâd like to buy. When it comes to the job search, creating a resource log allows you to quickly find important information, sources, and contacts who provided information that helped you along the way. Throughout your job search, there will be occasions when you will want to access or remember information that youâve already collected. Having a solid and well-organized resource log will make this task much faster and easier. Itâs important to set up a resource log early so that you can record the information you find as you do your research. While there are many ways you can organize your resource log, we are going to focus here on a very straightforward method that has worked well for other job seekers.
First, create a folderâon tape, large print notebook, note taking device, a physical folder, or on your computerâcalled âResource Log.â? Within that folder, create separate documents for each type of information you will be recording. Examples might be: âContacts,â? âOrganizations,â? âBooks,â? âArticles,â? âE-mails,â? âWeb Sites,â? and âMiscellaneous.â? There may be other sorts of information youâd like to keep track of as wellâmake documents for each of the categories that you think youâll need. The key is that the system has to work for you, be easy to refer to and update, and simple to expand. Some job seekers have used a single document with separate sections for each type of information, but in our experience itâs easier to have separate documents. If youâre comfortable setting up a database or spreadsheet, you may find that doing so will give you more flexibility when it comes to sorting, entering, and searching for information.
For each resource, youâll want to capture the type of information most useful for you. You want to make sure you know what the important information is associated with the resource, and also how to locate the resource again should you need it. The lists below will get you started, but donât hesitate to add or customize the information you record, based on your own experience.
Organizations
Name of organization or agency:
Address:
Web site:
Description:
Resources available:

Books
Title:
Author:
Edition:
Publisher:
Copyright:
Page or Chapter:
Description:

Web Sites
Web Address:
Company/Organization:
Section of the Site:
Title of Article or Page:
Author (if attributed):
Description:

Articles
Title:
Author (if attributed):
Publication Date:
Source:
Description:

Contacts
First Name:
Last Name:
Organization:
Job Title:
Relationship to You:
Phone Number:
E-mail Address:
Description:

2. Part 2: Locate Your Local and Online Resources Now that you have a system in place for keeping track of the information youâre going to find in your research, familiarize yourself with the resources in your community and beyond. Where are your libraries, career centers, and vocational rehabilitation agencies? What services do these organizations offer? Set up an orientation or introductory meeting to find out more. Take some time to get to know AFB CareerConnect and what the site has to offer. Fill out a resource log form for each of the resources you look into.

CareerConnect

Assignment: Career Exploration Resources – Section 1: Career Exploration Resources – Job Seeker’s Toolkit

Assignment: Career Exploration Resources

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