3
Career Research Paper
STOP! DON’T PANIC! Although this is a major assignment and will be a large part of your grade, it is a project we will complete in steps. It is very important that you keep up with the deadlines! Your paper will then be completed in stages that will keep your stress level down. Once you fall behind on a deadline it is very hard to catch up! I suggest you work ahead as much as possible. This assignment is more than just a paper. It is a lesson in self-discipline, self-expression, and FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS.
Note: If you have never written a research paper do not worry! I will teach you how to complete each step! Your hard work will all pay off! You can do it!
Type of Paper: Career Research Paper
Purpose: Effectively describe a profession by telling what that occupation involves, the benefits and drawbacks and how one enters into that field.
Format: You will examine five areas in your paper:
1. A brief history of the career, including dates, significant events, and key players
Length – approximately one to two paragraphs
2. A thorough description of the career – types of activities and major responsibilities
Length – approximately one to two paragraphs
3. The benefits of the career – why choose this line of work?
Length – approximately two to three paragraphs
4. The negative aspects – what are the disadvantages?
Length – approximately two paragraphs
5. The method of becoming a part of this field (schooling needed, internships, entry level work, etc.)
Length - approximately two paragraphs
Suggested page length (this is a guideline only!)
Introduction and Section 1- 1 pages
Sections 2&3- 1-2 pages
Section 4- 2-3 pages
Section 5& Total- 3-5 pages (before conclusion)
Point Break Down: 2 Test Grades
Final Product = 1 Test Grade (Count 2X)
Research Paper In-class Deadlines = 1 Test Grade (Counts 2X)
Research Paper Guidelines
1. Length: 3-5 pages
2. Format: MLA
a. type your paper using Times New Roman, 12 point font
b. double space
c. DO NOT put four spaces between paragraphs
d. use one inch margins on all sides
e. indent paragraphs five spaces (or use the tab key once)
f. number the pages in the top right hand corner of each page by typing your last name followed by a space and then the page number, EX: Jones 2
g. Avoid common errors (verb tense problems, contradictions, general words, pronoun problems, fragments, run-ons)
3. Organization:
a. Your paper should be in this order:
1. Title Page
2. Formal Outline (format given in class)
3. Body: 4-5 pages (numbered as stated above)
4. Works Cited Page
b. DO NOT put your paper in a folder or cover. Simply staple the pages together with one staple in the upper left hand corner.
Guidelines Regarding Sources
1. Your paper must include at least three sources. Each must be cited in your paper at least once. You must have at least three quotations in your paper.
2. Only career encyclopedias are allowed. No regular encyclopedias are allowed! This includes any online or computer encyclopedias.
3. Required: Optional:
Book (1 print sources) Newspaper Articles
Valid Internet Source (1) Journals/Magazine Articles
Library database Pamphlets
(either school or public library) Television Program
Expert Interview
The following sites are not acceptable:
3
Wikipedia
Ehow.com
Yahoo.com
Mahalo.com
Buzzle.com
3
The goal of this project is for you to do the following:
· Carefully research a career
· Effectively write and communicate information about the career
· Accurately use MLA format for in-text citations and Works Cited page.