CAREER RESEARCH PAPER REQUIREMENTS
Every student must complete a research paper on two careers, one related to the cte (culinary) area that they are studying and one in an unrelated area that they are interested in learning about. This research paper must be typed (Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double spaced) and must be submitted to your CTE ( culinary )teacher for scoring. Cover sheet is necessary and is not included in page count. Place a copy of the final paper and a copy of scored rubric in your portfolio. The original must go to your CTE teacher.
Career Research Paper (Completed 6-8 pages)
Introductory Paragraphs (three to four paragraphs) this section must include your thesis statement: You must pick two careers. One career is related to your CTE area and one career that you are interested in that is not related to your CTE area. In these paragraphs you will explain why you are interested in these careers and what you know about them. Remember to motivate the reader, make your introduction to these careers interesting.
Research: Use of books, newspapers, magazines, professional journals, and websites.
(Five or more references: 1 book, 1 magazine, 1professional journal, and two or more web sites). Let the following questions guide your research: (Essay format-not question and answer format)
People in these careers:
Discuss current employment trends relating to the careers.
Demographics related to these careers. (Present workforce, future projections)
General Job Description of these careers
What does this career entail? (General duties to specific duties).
What are the normal work hours? (Seasonal work, night shift, etc.).
How much money will one make? (Entry level and future advancement pay scale)
Is there the opportunity to further your career?
Where are the ideal locale/regions for this career?
Are there out of pocket expenses that workers are responsible for? (tools, travel time, etc.)
What hazards are encountered, if any, in this career?
Requirements of workers in this field:
What are the educational requirements for this career?
Are there any other requirements? (age, health and physical, experience, internship, apprenticeship)
Educational financing needed for training/education?
Are there scholarships, loans, grants available for education or training?
Is additional training/education required once someone is employed for advancement or maintaining career credentials?
What preparation is required for this career?
D. Getting the Job
List local firms where employment in this career field could be found.
Research one company that you would apply for a job entry position. (Family owned, how long it has been in business, job available, etc.)
Get three letters of recommendations for your resume.
Complete a resume.
Attach job clipping notices from newspaper, internet etc. (optional)
Type out questions (ten or more) that you would ask on an interview and place as an attachment to your paper. A copy of your “Thank You Note” to the interviewer.
Example question: What benefits will you expect from your employment?
Reaction – Reflection on your research. How has this research confirmed or changed your plans? What were you surprised to learn? What you did learn, did it meet your expectations you had for these careers? Why or why not? Do you think you will fit in your career choice? Did you discover any other career choices related to these fields you might be interested in pursuing? What are your strengths? What skills do you need to develop in your chosen field?
Web Sites of Interest that will help you develop your Research Paper:
http://bls.gov Scroll down to Career Information- This Web site scan supply you with information on selected jobs such as baking, engineering, etc. It lists statistics o individual job growth including income.
https://www.onetonline.org/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resouce/747/01/ Purdue on line Writing Lab.
This web site will guide you through citing authors, Internet and other sources.
