Communication: Explore Career Options

Investigating Major Issues in Careers

A good way to find issues in your chosen career is to visit an association or organization website that focuses on your field.  There are professional and trade associations for almost every profession and industry.  Their purpose is to promote the profession, represent the interests of professional practictioners, and answer any queries from the public. 

1. Go to Occupational Outlook Handbook.  The Handbook includes information about your profession, education requirements, earnings, links to information about the job market in each state, and trade association information.
2. Search for your career.
3. Note: Scroll to the section on "Sources of Additional Information" to find professional or trade associations.

Browsing a Professional or Trade Organization Website

The professional/trade organization website can help you research current issues in your current profession and locate trade publications.

• Finding Issues - Look for links labeled: News, Publications, Research, Topics, Frequently Asked Questions, and Press Releases.
• Finding Publications - Look for links labeled: Publications
  • Trade Publications are sometimes provided for free via the association website.  If they are not provided for free, check to see if the library has a subscription.

The following are organizations for the Communications field.

Industry and trade associations can be valuable sources of expertise.  As always, keep the viewpoint of the association in mind, but usually the association can provide facts, figures, or refer you to someone who can help.