CONDUCT INDUSTRY RESEARCH
In the world of business, anything older than six months is considered ancient. Today, information about industries and the companies that represent them is essential for anyone who wants to get a sense of how careers are trending, what the most innovative sectors are, which college majors are in or out, where the money is, and who’s hiring.
THE PROBLEM
You have no idea where to begin your industry research—all the options leave you dizzy.
THE FIX
Start with a tried-and-true comprehensive resource.
HOW TO DO IT
STEPS TO DOING INDUSTRY RESEARCH
Step 1. Figure out what industries interest you:
Step 2. Continue your research to identify your desired role within your chosen industry.
Step 3. Identify companies or organizations of interest within a larger industry. The federal government, for example, has approximately 575 departments and agencies! With so many choices, your research will depend on your expectations and wants.
Step 4. Do research on each individual employer of interest. How well does the organization pay compared to others in the same industry? Does this employer require long hours or frequent travel? Set up an informational interview to talk to people who are already working within the organization.
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
Market Research | marketresearch.com |
Wall Street Journal | executivelibrary.com/ |
First Research | firstresearch.com/ |
Market Watch | marketwatch.com/ |
Hoovers | hoovers.com |
Occupational Outlook Handbook | bls.gov/ |
Job.com | job.com |
Job Bank USA | jobbankusa.com |
USA Jobs | usajobs.gov |
GO ONE STEP FURTHER
Create an Online Profile on LinkedIn.com. Your online profile should be professional and include your résumé and only the information you’d like potential employers to know.