4.Conduct Market Research and Target Your Market

Quick Link 1. Welcome 2. Introduction to career planning 3. Assess yourself (define your product) 4. Conduct market research and target your market 4.1 Networking 4.2 Information interviews 4.3 Job descriptions 4.4 Company presentations 4.5 Researching 4.6 Set preliminary goals 5. Develop and implement your marketing plan 6. Interviewing 7. Discussing compensation 8. Evaluating job offers 9. On-campus recruiting program 10. The summer internship 11. Taxes, visas and other legal information

Compare what you learn about the world of work with what you noted about yourself in your self-assessment. Ask yourself the following types of question:

How do given job responsibilities match up with your talents, knowledge, experience and interests?
Does the lifestyle offered by a particular industry or job type coincide or conflict with your personal preferences?
What market opportunities exist in the geographic regions you've considered?
Do the corporate cultures of the firms you're exploring blend well with your personal values, preferred management style, and sense of ideal co-workers?
What jobs will help you achieve your life goals?

Determine what positions and companies best match what you know about yourself. Identify markets where you can add value. Create a list of possible careers and firms to explore. Take market realities into account. Target industries and organizations that are prospering and offer growth opportunities.

In the following chapters you will find descriptions of the different tools you have at hand for your market research and guidance on how to use them.

4.1. Networking

4.2. Information interviews

4.3. Job descriptions

4.4.Company presentations

4.5.Researching industries, companies, & contacts

4.6.Set preliminary goals & test market your product