Olin Library Research Guides: RCC 100: What Is Your Brand?: Home

Today's Class (September 13, 2021)

Welcome! A key component of personal branding is that you will market yourself differently for each internship or job you apply for. Researching basic information about a career path, the company you're applying to, and the overall industry will enhance your success.

Go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, and pick a career. Since you are in college, please pick a career that requires a bachelor's degree or higher.
1. What is the median pay for your career? "Median" means that 50% of people make less than this number, and 50% make more.
2. What is the job outlook for your career? Example: "Employment of sales engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029."
Working with a a partner, pick one of the following "dream companies" to research. Even if you don't plan to major in business, these companies hire other majors as well.
1. The Walt Disney Co.
2. Apple
3. Nike.
4. Microsoft
5. Amazon.com
Go to Business Insight Essentials, hover over "Companies," and select "SWOT Reports."
1. What is the overall state of the company?
Go into IBISWorld. Enter your company into the search box, and press "Enter." Pick an industry report with at least five numbers in its industry code.
1. What is the impact of COVID on your industry?
2. What is the Industry Outlook (grow or shrink)?
3. Who are the major players?
Based on this information, share how you would use this information to compete for an internship at your company.

In-Class Assignment Resources

Occupational Outlook Handbook
From the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, find about careers, pay information, degree requirements, and more.

Business Insights: Essentials This link opens in a new window
Research global companies and industries with in-depth analysis through current news, statistical data, and reports.
IBISWorld This link opens in a new window
Our primary resource for industry research.

Other Personal Branding Resources

Business Source Complete This link opens in a new window
A resource for personal branding scholarly articles and best practices.
If you are looking for Harvard Business Review, this is the only database that has it in full-text. Please be aware that a handful of the most popular articles are blocked by HBR from downloading, printing or linking. You will recognize these titles by a thin yellow banner at the top of the screen. This embargo is HBR's policy, and there is no way around it....but please be aware that you CAN read these articles online.
ABI/INFORM Collection This link opens in a new window
Another resource for personal branding scholarly articles and best practices.
Statista This link opens in a new window
Provides access to quantitative facts by market sector. Statista is a statistics portal that integrates thousands of diverse topics of data and facts from a wide range of sources onto a single platform. Sources of information include market research, trade publications, scientific journals, and government databases.
Euromonitor This link opens in a new window
Useful if you want to intern overseas.