Research employers and organizations

The best way to learn what it is really like in a particular organization is through research. This can be done in two ways: online resources and informational interviewing (talking to people who work in those companies).

For each employer or organization you are exploring be sure gather the following information:

1. History of the organization
2. Types of products/services offered
3. Reputation
4. Locations
5. Size and organizational structure
6. Financial stability
7. Philosophy
8. Prospects for growth or change
9. Major competitors
10. Promotional activities
11. Current industry trends/issues
12. Mission and vision of the organization
13. General description of career/job
14. Skills needed
15. Work environment/conditions
16. What people in this field like and dislike about their organizations

Online Resources
The best resource is each organization's website. Below are some of our favorite additional online resources which offer different ways to locate company information.

1. Reference USA (How to use Reference USA)
2. Book of Lists (click on book of lists link)
3. The Riley Guide: Research and Target Employers
4. Vault: Get company rankings and reviews

Informational interviewing
Talking to people who currently work at organizations that interest you is one of the best ways to gain valuable career information. More often than not, people are open to being interviewed about their organizations, careers, and career paths. Typically people, especially alumni, are excited to share advice and contacts with students.

Where to find professionals to interview

1. LinkedIn ( learn more about LinkedIn)
   1. Access our MUCSC Group on LinkedIn
   2. Access the Marquette University Alumni Association (MUAA) Group on Linkedin
   3. Connect with Marquette Alumni for Career Networking on the CIRCLES eMentor Network
2. Friends of family/family of friends. Make a list of people you know and their occupations (if you know)
   1. Parents
   2. Relative
   3. Friends
   4. Neighbors
   5. Alumni
   6. Teachers
   7. Co-workers
   8. Service clubs
   9. Social groups
   10. Religious institutions
   11. Social and Professional Networking Sites
3. How to conduct an Informational Interview